Anna-Maria H. Schaefer

Anna-Maria Schaefer, 90, of Vero Beach, Florida, was united with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, August 3^rd, 2024.  She was born in Mt. Kisco, New York on March 25, 1924.  She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Columbia University’s Teachers College in 1956 and her Master of Arts degree from that college in 1964.  After working for Cornell University’s New York Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Department for 10 years, Anna-Maria joined the Visiting Nurse Service of New York in 1965.  She became one of that Service’s first ten Family Nurse Practitioners in New York City.  As an FNP, also known as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Anna-Maria performed many of the same duties as a family physician.

As a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Anna-Maria participated in numerous spiritual opportunities, including the Women’s Bible Study group and God Pause (the practice of prayerful reflection).  She was instrumental in beginning the confidential prayer group, providing guidance to its formation.  Additionally, Anna-Marie worked closely with Our Savior’s Health Ministry Team when she was physically able.  An avid nature lover and bird watcher, Anna-Maria knew the value of living harmoniously with the earth’s environment.

Anna-Maria was a person of unshakable belief.  Her quiet, effective faith spread to every corner of Our Savior Lutheran Church’s ministry.  Anna-Maria unobtrusively assumed an informal role as spiritual guide and counselor, providing God’s loving support to those in physical, emotional and spiritual distress.

Anna-Maria habitually sent greeting cards, letters and text messages of spiritual encouragement, reminding recipients they were in the care of God’s unconditional love.  Her gifts of flowers brought joy and comfort to those in need of a splash of color, and her quiet, measured conversations of support and encouragement gave spiritual strength to those in need.

While her passing leaves a physical void in the heart of Our Savior’s faith community, her spirit lives as a warm reminder of what it means to share freely the abiding love of God.  This was just one of Anna-Maria’s gifts to the world, a gift many were blessed to receive.  May she rest in peace knowing she shared this gift of God’s love with all those in need of her physical and spiritual support.

The memorial service will be at Our Savior Lutheran Church on August 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

1850 Sixth Ave., Vero Beach, FL 32960

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church’s Music Ministry.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.