Marie J. Schaefer Obituary

Marie J. Schaefer, 90, died on August 29, 2026 at Sunrise Senior Living in Wilton. Born in Fairmont, MN, daughter of the late Hugh and Elfrieda (Sauck) Kusick, she was also predeceased by her husband, Byron Schaefer and sister Joan Schwarz.

An active member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Norwalk, Marie enjoyed singing and directing the handbell choir at church. She dedicated many years to teaching children Sunday School at Zion Lutheran Church in Lewisville, MN and teaching 4th grade at Lutheran School in Wisconsin.

Marie could be found volunteering under the tents at Minks to Sinks, and volunteering in the back room at the Turnover Shop of Wilton. She was an active farmer's wife for over 50 years while married to Byron. She could be found hauling grain, tending her garden, or picking raspberries and strawberries on the farm.

Marie loved the Lord and had a deep practical trust in Him. She passed this love of God on to her children. She enjoyed singing and listening to hymns, as well as playing them on the piano. She also looked forward to attending church services every week.

She is survived by her children; Janel Cassara and her husband Tom Cassara of Wilton, CT, and Phillip Schaefer and his wife Tammy Schaefer of Renton, WA; cherished grandchildren Anna Cassara, Michael Cassara, Kristina Schaefer and Jonathan Schaefer, as well as numerous other relatives.

Friends are invited to join her family for Funeral Services on Friday, September 4 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 208 Newtown Avenue, Norwalk. Visitation will begin at 9AM, followed by her Funeral Service at 10AM. She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Minnesota at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: St Peter Lutheran Church, 208 Newtown Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851 ([email protected]) as the church needs a new roof, The Turnover Shop of Wilton, 98 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton, CT 06897 orMinks to Sinks, in care of Laura Hussey, 46 Little Brook Road, Wilton, CT 06897.