Barbara A. Schaeffer

Barbara Ann (Hanselman) Schaeffer was called home by her loving husband in the early hours of May 16, 2023 with her daughters and son-in-law by her side.

Born July 17, 1938 in Hoosick Falls, NY to the late William Hanselman and Anna (Grobuski) Paul, Barbara graduated from Hoosick Falls High School and the Austin Beauty School before moving to Boston Massachusetts. In 1962 she traveled to Europe with her dear friend Patty on an extended holiday where they visited country to country at their leisure. Their most

memorable stop was in Rome where she happened to meet the love of her life, John Schaeffer, while he was stationed there with the US Navy. Little did they know they had grown up within minutes of each other back in New York. In 1964 the pair married and settled shortly after in the Schenectady and Niskayuna areas where they raised their two daughters.

Throughout adulthood Barbara wore several different professional hats; she was a hairdresser, stay at home mom and worked several years in retail, but it wasn’t until after retiring that she began her favorite role as a volunteer for Proctors where she stayed for over 20 years. Retirement also brought more travel for Barb and John to see both their families and the world. Some of their favorite trips included New Orleans, Hawaii, cruising with friends and family, and camping in the Adirondacks. One thing could always be counted on: if there was a slide nearby, Barb was first in line!

Every winter Barbara and John made their annual drive to Alabama and then Florida to wait out the cold New York weather. Down in Lighthouse Point they were surrounded by relatives and friends who became family for the rest of her life.

In addition to her husband and parents, Barbara was predeceased by her brother Francis Hanselman and her sister-in-law Joan Schaeffer.

Left to cherish her memory and keep her spirit alive are her daughters Lisa (Kurt) Berger of The Villages, FL and Cathy McCauley of Queensbury, NY; grandchildren Elizabeth McCauley of Queensbury, NY, William (Kristen) McCauley of Greece, NY, and Alexis (Chad) Edgil of Calera, AL; as well as best friend of 80+ years Mary Jane Readdean, and countless friends who have become family from The Summit of Saratoga.

Per her wishes there will be a brief funeral service held at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville on Monday, May 22nd to begin promptly at 12:30pm, followed by interment.

Barbara’s family would like to extend a warm thank you to all the wonderful friends she made during her time at The Summit; you all brought such joy and happiness to her final years. We would also like to thank the compassionate staff at Community Hospice of Saratoga for the care they showed her these past several months. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations in Barbara’s name be made to The CR Wood Cancer Center- Randy’s Patient Assistance Fund (102 Park St., Glens Falls, NY 12801) or cancer charity of your choice.

For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com/obituary/Barbara-Schaeffer

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