Loretta B. "Lori" (Buechling) Schaefer, age 81, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2024, following her long struggle with dementia, at Keystone Place in Buzzards Bay, MA. Lori was born on March 19, 1942 to Rosa (Lehner) and William Buechling of Larchmont, NY. She was a 1960 graduate of Mamaroneck High School, and a 1964 graduate of Wheelock College. Lori utilized her early childhood education degree as a preschool teacher at the Loft School, teaching a generation of children who remembered her as they grew to become adults. Later she became the longtime office manager of Wareham Pediatrics.
A resident of Marion, MA for over 50 years, Lori was a civic-minded organizer extraordinaire. She served multiple terms on both the town's school committee and its Board of Selectmen; led the renovation of the Marion Music Hall, now a vibrant community event space; and served as a board member of New Bedford Child and Family Services and the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD), among other organizations. She was an avid and adventurous traveler, and an engaged member of the Beverly Yacht Club and The Kittansett Club. Beyond these many activities, Lori was an unfailingly kind, friendly and optimistic person, with a special gift for engaging friends and strangers alike.
Anchoring Lori's life was a happy and dedicated partnership with Richard Schaefer, her husband of 59 years. Together they enjoyed golfing, boating, traveling and family, along with their wonderful network of friends. In addition to Richard, Lori is survived by daughters, Catherine Nellis of Barrington, RI, Elizabeth Schaefer of New Bedford, MA and Christine Gleason of Dover, MA, along with sons-in-law, Doug Shattuck (Catherine) and Joshua Gleason (Christine); and her grandsons, Eli, Theo, James and Andrew. A celebration of Lori's life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lori's memory may be made to the Elizabeth Taber Library in Marion, MA or to Child and Family Services.
Lori's family is grateful for the exceptional care she received at Keystone Place, where she was always treated with love and respect.