Ann Schaefer

Anna (Ann) Petrulenicz Schaefer, 98, of Murrells Inlet, SC passed away peacefully at home on Saturday November 23, 2024. She was born May 1, 1926, in Proctor, VT, daughter of the late John and Sophie Petrulenicz, who migrated from Czechoslovakia. Preceded in death by her sister, Irene Delores Petrulenicz Longtin and brother John Thomas Petrulenicz, and great granddaughter, Ripley Beall Martin. Also, Ann was preceded in death by the love of her life, her handsome husband of 66 years, William (Bill) Herbert Schaefer. They met in Washington DC in 1945 while Ann was working for the Navy Department and Bill had just left the Marines. Anna moved back to VT shortly after they met (her mother’s request), so Bill bought a car, drove to VT thru a blizzard with a ring and proposed! They were married October 19, 1946, at the First Baptist Church of Rockville, MD.
She was born Anna, but wanting to feel “American” she changed her name to “Ann”, but later in life she embraced her given name Anna.
She has resided in Proctor, VT; Laurel, MD; Highland, MD; Sanibel, FL; Myrtle Beach, SC and Murrells Inlet, SC.
Anna had a beautiful full life filled with family, friends and faith. It began growing up in Proctor, VT where she liked to ice skate in the winter and swim in the summer (even though she claimed she did not know how to swim, so she always went with friends). Graduating from Proctor High School in VT, she was the salutatorian. Once married and relocating to MD, she started her family which was her passion. She was an amazing wife and stay at home mom. As her family grew with grands and great grands she loved spending time with them as much as possible. Attending sports events, horse shows or “babysitting” while the grands made castles out of boxes in the basement. Whatever her children’s passion where…. she supported them. Darlene with horses and dance, Jack with those reptiles (scary), Gary with horses, sports and shenanigans, and Diane with horses and sports. Anna was an amazing cook, and oh how she loved to entertain and have guests for dinner, whether at her MD home or her Sanibel, FL home…. the door was always open for guests. Anna loved to garden whether it was with flowers, vegetables or fruit trees, she loved it all. She was a loving and caring “caregiver” to her own mother (who lived with her), mother in law and sister in law. As busy as she was…she squeezed in a little business as well to help with family finances, she was a top seller and in the “Presidents Club” with Avon. Cards have always been a part of Anna’s life, early on with young couple friends and later in life with family….and the last game Anna played just 2 days before her passing…. she WON while playing in her monthly Hand and Foot Club! If you knew Anna, you also knew that she had a “sweet tooth”, as did her husband…. they would have a pastry after breakfast, a dessert after lunch and dinner…. she just loves chocolate! Most importantly in Anna’s life was her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. She came to know her Lord as her Savior in 1968. She then attended Bethany Lane Baptist Church and Arlington Baptist Church where she grew in the Lord and loved to share her faith. Anna was asked the most important life lesson she had learned and her answer was: “If you don’t have Jesus as Lord and Savior, you have NOTHING. He will be your friend and your guide in life”.
Anna is survived by her daughter Darlene and husband Pete Naecker, her son Jack & wife Rachel Schaefer, her son, Gary Schaefer, and her daughter Diane and husband Eddie Hinkle.
Anna has 11 grandchildren ~ Justin Naecker and his wife Stacey, Erin Shaeffer and husband Greg, Megan Salzman and her husband Timmy, Shannon Luster and her husband Tommy, Joel Schaefer and his wife Kaitlyn, Abigal Schaefer, Julia Schaefer, Samatha Schaefer, Maddie Schaefer, Greg Hinkle & Lindsay Hinkle. Anna has 15 great grandchildren ~ Jessie (and wife Alli) Elly, Jack, Chloe, Luke, Hailey, Corey, TJ, Makenzi, Ripley, Knox, Kellen, McKinley, Sienna & Emory. Anna was faithful in prayer every day for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Anna’s celebration of life will be Monday, December 2nd, 2024, at the Haight Funeral Home in Sykesville, MD. Family gathering 10-11 am, Friends 11-12 pm, Service @ 12:00 pm with burial following at the Linthicum Chapel Cemetery in Clarksville, MD. Friends and family are invited back to the Naecker farm in Westminster, MD for a time of fellowship, food and memories.
The family wants to say thanks to Anna’s many friends who over the years have showered her with love, it is greatly appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to either: Samaritan’s Purse or Way of Truth Ministries (GTCM Margaret A Smith, 315 40th Street, Altoona, PA 16602).

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