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Celebrating the life of
Elsie Lee Rivers Schaaf
September 28, 1927 - September 14, 2022
Elsie Lee Rivers Schaaf, 94, passed away on September 14, 2022.
The daughter of Ashley Stewart Rivers and Louise Goodwin Rivers of Savannah, she was born in Cocoa, Florida in 1927. She lived most of her life in Savannah, and attended local public schools. Elsie married John Aloysius Schaaf, Jr. in 1947 after his stint in the US Navy during WW II. They started a family in Savannah shortly thereafter, raising three children, along with a few special dogs and cats.
Mostly working as a housewife and mother over the years, she had also gained retail sales experience as a teen working at The Accessory Shop in downtown Savannah. In later years she also worked for a time at Adler’s department store during the 1970’s, J.C. Penny department store during the 1990’s, and as a volunteer at the Memorial Hospital gift shop for several years, where she learned flower arranging. She was a very sharp card player most of her life, remaining so even into her 90’s. She was particularly good at Bridge. In later life she learned how to string beads, and became quite good at making pretty necklaces in her spare time, mostly to give away.
Elsie was preceded in death by her daughter, Paulette Schaaf, her husband of 51 years, John A Schaaf, Jr., and Kathryn Schaaf Eddleston, of Homosassa, Florida. She is survived by her son Jody Schaaf, grandson Evan Schaaf of Tampa, Florida, and grandson Richard Coleman of Homosassa, Florida; and two great-grandchildren, Christian Schaaf of Fort Irwin, CA and Skyler Coleman of Naples, Italy.
A graveside service for Elsie will be held in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens on Monday, September 19th, at 1:00 pm.
Remembrances may be made to the Humane Society for Greater Savannah, 7215 Sallie Mood Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.
Jody and Evan Life's road is so rocky and difficult. You are being thought of and cared about every step of the way. Our prayers and hearts are with you.
- Mercedes, Angie, Jamile, Savannah , GA
I am so sorry for your loss. I was Kathy's good friend. Mrs Schaaf was wonderful.
- nancy Brian, SAVANNAH, GA
A candle has been lit!
- Claire D Evans, Savannah, GA
I was fond of Elsie's daughter Kathy; we were school mates. Elsie was so outgoing and lovely. May God give the family peace at this most difficult time. Blessings and prayers. Bonnie Jewett Delvers
- Bonnie J. Delvers, Savannah, GA
Sorry about the loss love! God bless!
- Stephen Anderson , Savannah , Ga
To Jody, grandchildren & great grandchildren of Mrs. Schaaf, I send my deepest sympathy & condolences with her loss. Her daughter Kathie was a dear friend of mine, along with a small group of us ladies from the HVJ Class of ‘68. We hold our memory of Kathie in our hearts always. We will always remember our time spent with Mrs. Schaaf at her home in our younger years, and in the later years when Kathie would come for visits. May you be surrounded with God’s peace & comfort in the days ahead. May Mrs. Schaaf Rest In Peace, along with our dear Kathie.
- Carolyn Sheehan, Tybee Island, GA
Jody, I'm thinking of you today. I am sorry for your loss. Your Mama was vivacious and fun and I enjoyed spending time with her even when I was a child and neighbor. She was my Mother's friend, coming for coffee...the 2 families going to Tybee...Kathy and I trying to stay out of trouble and not succeeding...Kathy and your Mama loved me when I was growing up and I enjoyed them. Our memories are a part of who we are and I thank God for the Schaaf family. May God hold you close in your grief.
- Diane Richardson, Kernersville, North Carolina
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Graveside Service
- 1:00PM on Mon, September 19, 2022
- Forest Lawn Memory Gardens
-
315 Greenwich Road (map)
Savannah GA 31404