Jacqueline Cameron Schaefer

Jacqueline (Jackie) Cameron Schaefer, 89, of Kalamazoo died on Monday, June 10, 2024 at her residence in Portage, MI surrounded by her loving children. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald S. Schaefer, M.D., who passed on May 28, 2012; her parents, John and Mabel (Bowers) Cameron; sisters, Mabel Marohn and Rosalind Brenizer; and brothers, Kenneth and Rhoderick Cameron. Mrs. Schaefer is survived by her loving family; sons, Robert “Bob” (Amy) Schaefer, M.D. of Bluffton, S.C., William “Bill” (Jan) Schaefer of Madison, WI, Jon (Jane Baker) Schaefer of Portage, MI, and daughter Amy (John) Waldvogel of Hillsdale, MI; her sister, Connie (Tony) Tzovarras. Mrs. Schaefer will also be sadly missed by her 13 adoring grandchildren, Paige, Leah, Lauren, Lindsey, Cameron, Bobby, Andrew, Kit, Sam, Charlie, Emma, Jake, and Josh; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

A graduate of Ferndale High School in 1953 and Hillsdale College in 1956, Jackie was the oldest of six children. Taking care of her younger siblings from a young age prepared her for a successful career in elementary education. On June 9, 1956, just one week after they both graduated from Hillsdale College, Jackie and Don Schaefer were married in Hillsdale, MI.  Following marriage, Jackie taught first grade in Chelsea, MI, from 1956 to 1960, and 3rd grade in Taylor, MI from 1963-1967, to support the family while Don earned his medical degree at the University of Michigan (1960) and while completing his internship and residency at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. In 1967, when Don began his OB/Gyn practice in Kalamazoo, Jackie became a full-time mother devoted to her children, a role Don assured her was the most important job she could have.

Jackie was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo, and an associate member of the King of Glory Church in South Carolina, where the couple enjoyed their winters after Don retired. She was a long-time member of the PEO Chapter BN in Kalamazoo, Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumni Association, and the Kalamazoo Academy of Medical Alliance. Jackie was also an active volunteer for the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, and Habitat for Humanity in Kalamazoo.

Jackie and Don were both proud alumni and supporters of Hillsdale College and active volunteers. Jackie served on the Board of Women Commissioners and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Advisory Board, both at Hillsdale College.

Jackie’s greatest legacy was her devotion to her husband, family, and many friends. She was an extremely loving, protective, and supportive mother and later grandmother. Her children and grandchildren are eternally grateful for this. Jackie was also a dear friend to many and touched everyone she met through her warmth, smile, and generosity. She was a gracious hostess who welcomed family members and friends into her home. She loved to read, play bridge, do needlework, water aerobics, and of course watch her children and grandchildren play sports and engage in other extracurricular activities.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024 from 4-7pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services 3926 S 9th St. Kalamazoo, MI 49009. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church 504 S Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Those desiring may make memorial contributions in Jackie’s memory to Trinity Lutheran Church, American Cancer Society, or the Parkinson’s Foundation. To view her personalized webpage, please visit https://www.langelands.com