Joyce Ann Schafer

Joyce Ann Schafer (née Heider) , 86, passed away on July 5, 2024, in Medina, Ohio. Born on April 4, 1938 in Toledo, Ohio to Elmer J. and Kathryn E. (Chisholm) Heider, she lived a vibrant and creative life. She was predeceased by her brothers, Jack (Pat) Heider, James (Ruth) Heider, Robert Heider and Ronald (Peggy) Heider, all of Toledo, Ohio, and daughter-in-law Lynda Utrup Schafer. She is survived by her sister, Carol (John) Wilson and a whole host of nieces and nephews. She is the beloved mother of Michelle (Ronald) Carr, Julie A. Schafer, Michael S. (Holly) Schafer, and Thomas A. Schafer.

Joyce was a business owner (Stretch & Sew - Akron and Stow, Armadillo Restaurant), entrepreneur (Elmer’s Garage) and retired from the Ohio Bell Telephone Company after many years. Her skill and art of sewing was instinctive and passed on to her daughters.

Her dedication and commitment extended beyond her work life to include decades of playing a significant role in the lives of her multigenerational grandchildren – Heather (Michael) Marino, Melissa Carr, Timothy Carr; Morgan (Derrick) McKee, Benjamin, Jonah and Juliana Schafer; Maria, Will, Kathryn, Cameron, Samantha, Sophia, Mac and Clare Schafer; T.J. Schafer, Michael W. Schafer, Anna (Jon) Flower, and Jeffrey Schafer. Her legacy lives on in great-grandchildren, Ariana (Jeremy) Hillsberg; Carson and Daniel Marino; Finn and Rory McKee; Wilson Schafer; and a “WildFlower” due in October.

A firm believer, Joyce attended The Chapel in Akron and Wadsworth and was an active member of the Bible Study Fellowship in Wadsworth. Joyce nurtured her spiritual life with as much passion as she did her family and enjoyed many deep and lasting friendships – too many to list! Special thanks to such a wonderful support group including – but certainly not limited to – Carol Roberts, Kathy Roberts and Laura Sustar who leapt in to assist whenever needed.

Joyce’s life and legacy will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.

Family and friends will be received from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on FRIDAY, July 12, 2024 at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., Fairlawn, OH 44333. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on SATURDAY, July 13, 2024, at the funeral home with Rev. Petar Nenadov officiating. Interment will follow the service at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road, Akron, OH  44333.