Michelle M. Schaefer

MICHELLE MARIE SCHAEFER November 21, 1991 - May 6, 2023 The beloved eldest child of Steve and Tina Schaefer and big sister to Paul and Thomas Schaefer (all of Springfield, OH), Michelle passed away unexpectedly from complications following a lupus-related biopsy. She lived a life of joy, adventure, courage, and compassion, leaving behind many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, co-workers, dear friends, neighbors, and others who will never forget her. A graduate of Greenon High School and member of Mary, Help of Christians parish in Fairborn, Michelle was a teacher at Early Beginnings Day Care in Huber Heights and had previously worked at Lowe’s in Springfield. She loved being with family and enjoyed nature and animals of all sorts. She welcomed any cats who showed up at their home, as well as all the family dogs over the years and the wild rabbits she tried to protect. She played flute in the Greenon Marching Band and was talented at drawing, painting, and singing. Michelle played baseball but didn’t like to sweat. She delighted her family in many simple but meaningful acts: baking apple pies, bringing fresh flowers for their table, talking loud, and watching classic Disney films and sitcoms with her brothers. Confident and caring, she showed delight and empathy easily and often. Michelle loved going to the cottage in Darien, NY, first as a child with her family and later with good friends Allison, Joe, Serena, Alissa, and Callie. She was drawn to the peace and quiet of the lake–and the chances for fishing, exploring, hiking, and listening to the birdsong and frogs from the porch. A fan of Harry Potter, Dungeons & Dragons, Pokémon, Stephen King novels, anime, sushi, and 80s music, Michelle especially enjoyed Monty Python, movies like Pitch Perfect and Caddyshack, and television shows like M.A.S.H., Friends, Home Improvement, and The Office. Her brothers describe her as supportive and looking out for them and pointing out right from wrong. She was a good sister and dependable friend, a drama queen, an adventurer who was up for anything. They knew they could count on her. Family and friends may call at the Adkins Funeral Home (7055 Dayton Rd, Enon OH) on Wednesday, May 10 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Mary, Help of Christians Church (954 N. Maple Ave, Fairborn OH) on Thursday, May 11, at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in Enon Cemetery (6013 Dayton Springfield Rd, Enon OH). Following the Mass, a reception will be held at the Gathering House (George Rogers Clark Heritage Association building) at George Rogers Clark Park (936 S Tecumseh Rd, Springfield, OH). Flowers are gratefully declined, but the family welcomes donations in Michelle’s memory to the Lupus Foundation of America.