Obituary
With deep sadness we announce the passing of Emma Schafer at Rocky Mountain Village, Fernie, BC on June 11, 2021. She was 86 years old.
There was nothing “Oma” loved more than her flowers and huge garden. Growing potatoes, carrots, peas, sour leaves and her much desired raspberries that inspired many garden raids by friends and family. Her beautiful flowers were her glory and the town deer thoroughly enjoyed them too! Although she cursed them, watching her chase deer and bears away from her treasures provided entertaining memories.
Oh, and shopping! How she loved a bargain. Known in the family as the “Shopper Stopper”, the jingle “$1.49 day, Woodwards” was often sung to her.
Taking great pride in her house in Sparwood, BC, Oma worked hard to make it a home, open to all family, both blood and chosen. Numerous gatherings on every occasion were held every year in the basement, with Oma feeding all.
She loved to dance; from Lawrence Welk to AC/DC and everything in between.
In the early years, she hand-sewed many of her kids clothes, cooked and baked for all school events, and even coached her daughter, Rose in one of the first girls’ soccer teams in Calgary. Through the years and into our adulthood, we could always count on her attending whatever activity or sport we were in and we knew she was there cheering us on.
Unapologetically stubborn, Emma lived on her own terms. It was this stubbornness that saw her through years of painful physical ailments and allowed her to carry on and smile at most she encountered.
Residing at Rocky Mountain Village for her final six years, she was known as the “Lady with the Flower in her Hair”. Emma especially loved Halloween there and her daughter, Dixie had a hoot making her costumes, just as she did for her as a child. She played her music through the halls at RMV and she was friends with most there, especially Colleen, Gizella, Irma, Kim and Darlene, who were with her for her final breath. She was also graced in her last days by her son Jimmy, playing his guitar for her.
A special thank you to Emma’s treasured care-aids and cooks, who went above and beyond their “job” of looking after a client, to tending to their beloved friend. She knew she was more than a resident there – she was your family.
To Dr. Soetart who we are forever grateful to. You provided not only the utmost care, but the best medicine of all – laughter.
Predeceased in wartime by her baby brother and possibly her sister who was captured by Russians during the war in Germany, she can now also join her husband, Kasimir; her mother and father; and her siblings, Erika, Lotta and Siggy (DiDi).
Left to miss her are her sisters, Ulla (Alex), Eugi (Addy); her brothers, Willie (Anne), Horst and Ede (Anita) and numerous nieces and nephews; her children and grandchildren: daughter, Dixie (Randy) McClinchey and their daughters, Sarah (Jance) and Aurora (AJ); her son, Jim (Colleen) Schafer and their sons, Mike (Christine), Steve (Sally) and Brandon (Melissa); her daughter, Rose (Ben) House and their children, Jen, Trevor (Katie-Jo), Steven (Laura) and Russ (Vanessa). Emma also had numerous great-grandchildren, with Timmy gracing her with great-great grandchild, T.J. in 2019. Together we celebrated FIVE generations. Oma was blessed to have Avarie and Jax who were a constant in her life, bringing her their youthful zest.
As per Emma’s request, there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a mental health organization of your choice. Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca. Thank you to Fantin’s Funeral Chapel for the tender, respectful care of our Mother, our Oma, our Friend.
Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Emma (Kopp) Schafer, please visit our floral store.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Emma Kopp Schafer May 6 1935 June 11 2021 (age 86)..
Décès pour la Ville: Blairmore, Province: Alberta