Betty Jean Schaefer, age 94, a beloved member of our community, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.
Born on December 21, 1930, in Hartshorne, Oklahoma, she was a daughter of the late John Buffo and Amy Dupire Buffo. Betty’s life was filled with joy, love, and commitment to her husband of almost 75 years. For over two and a half decades, Betty dedicated her life to volunteering at Sharing and Caring, where she touched the lives of many. She also found solace and fulfillment in gardening, reading, crossword puzzles, and cooking great meals for her family. She was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church Cornelia, where she taught Sunday School, played in the bell choir, and was a former member of the Women’s Association.
Betty is survived by her loving husband, Eugene Schaefer; their daughter, Linda (Guy) Rechtoris; their son, Mark (Kathy) Schaefer; sister, Mary Trihas; grandchildren, Jennifer Morrow, Christopher Rechtoris, Coty Hogue, Steven Schaefer, Breanne Hogue, and Sarah Schaefer; and 11 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Brian Keith Schaefer; sisters Katherine Williams, Gloria Keitsch, and Frances Skipworth; brothers Joe Buffo and Johnny Buffo; and numerous other cherished loved ones.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church Cornelia, P.O. Box 165, Cornelia, Georgia 30531, www.firstprescornelia.org; and Sharing and Caring, 195 Stovall Street, Cornelia, Georgia 30531, www.sharingncaring.org
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
