Karen Marie Schaefer

Karen Marie Schaefer was born September 25, 1949, in Silverton, Oregon to Loyd Ernest and Etta Marie (Rushing) Schaefer. Karen was very close with her only sibling Julia Ann, as they were the best of friends.  They were the 4th generation to be raised on the Schaefer Farm located on Queener Dr, between Stayton and Scio. Karen graduated from Stayton High School in 1967. After high school, Karen became a Registered Nurse, taking her training at Good Samaritan in Portland. She worked several years at Silverton Hospital in obstetrics until she became ill with mononucleosis. Karen took advantage of her time away from work to move up to Fort Smith, NWT Canada to be with her cousins. It was an amazing year and a half spent there before she returned to the Stayton area permanently.   Karen’s passion to care for people made her an amazing caregiver. Karen's meek, loving, gentle,& kind way made her services in great demand by her community. Karen took jobs in Stayton and cared for many people over the years. It didn’t matter to Karen if you were prominent or humble, everyone got the same level of care. She had a heart of gold and was very much loved and appreciated.  Karen was a woman of great faith, she loved the Lord and walked closely with him.On January 10, 2021, Karen was a victim of  homicide, and went home to her Savior. She was preceded in death by her parents. Karen is survived by her son Charlie, her sister Julia Ann Strausser, her cousin Helen Krenz and many extended family. Karen's preferred charity was Shriners Children Hospital in Portland. Karen's Celebration will be livestreamed at the following link: https://my.gather.app/remember/karen-schaefer