Christine Jo (née Smith) Schaefer passed away peacefully on May 1, 2022, with family and friends by her side. Chris was born on July 9, 1945, to Cherrye and Richard Smith in Enid, Oklahoma. She was the oldest of six siblings.

Chris spent most of her childhood in Des Moines, Iowa. She attended Holy Trinity grade school and then St. Joseph Academy her freshman year (59-60). She was elected the freshman class president at SJA. Then, in the summer of 1960, the family of eight piled into a VW Bus and headed for California. In 1963, she graduated from Pomona Catholic High School, where she was ASB President and a member of the Spartans Flag Team. Most importantly, it was here that Chris met the love of her life, Edward (Kip) John Schaefer in 1961. She and some girlfriends tried to "steal" his car, not succeeding with the car, but in stealing Kip's heart. They were to be together from that day forward.

They married on January 11, 1964, and welcomed their first son, Edward (Chip) Richard Schaefer on June 17, 1964. Not long after, a daughter, JoAnn (Jodi) Terese Schaefer on September 24, 1965, and youngest son Craig Michael Schaefer was born on February 17, 1970. Besides family, they had many lifelong friends, that they would spend time with in the mountains, in the desert, on the beach, and wherever they could get away and have some fun. They brought their children up together to build a bigger, yet continually connected family.

After living in the Southern California area for many years, in 1975, they made the move to the Pacific Northwest - Issaquah, Washington. Chris got involved with Girl Scouts leadership, started the soccer mom movement, and was busy with all things sports, art, and drama for her kids. She volunteered at the schools, took up pottery, wrote a children's book, and other short stories.

In 1977, she went back to college, a dream of hers she had yet to finish, and attended the University of Washington. She graduated with a degree in Political Science and went on to earn a master's degree in Public Administration. That education prepared her for the work she cherished the most, serving her community and those less fortunate.

Chris, Kip, and Craig moved to Rochester, New York in 1983. After a few hard winter years, they found their way back to Southern California to be closer to family.

Chris's career blossomed. Some of her accomplishments include lobbying for a new County Park in Diamond Bar, CA, President of the Junior Women's Club, Services Director for the Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC), Community Services Commissioner in La Habra, Director of Administrative Services for the City of Pico Rivera, member of Soroptimists, Board President of Whole Child in Whittier, Board Member for The John Henry Foundation, 17 years on the Planning Commission of the City of Placentia, was a professional volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association of Orange County and thoroughly enjoyed serving on the Orange County Grand Jury.

Needless to say, Chris was a busy and extraordinary member of society. Yet, she always found time for family, reading, and experiencing new things. She maintained her curiosity about all people, and never met someone she couldn't strike up a conversation with. She was a remarkable cook, and had a love of games, hosting big family parties, keeping traditions alive, and always having a house full of humor, passion, and a welcoming feel.

Chris is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Cherrye (née Ives) Smith; her much loved youngest sister, Gretchen (Smith) Everitt; and her beloved son, Chip Schaefer.

Chris is survived by her husband of 58 years, Edward (Kip) Schaefer; daughter Jodi (John) Tucker and son Craig (Duantem "Bea" Detkaew) Schaefer; sisters Debbie Chaput, Carol (John) Perkins, Marti King; and brother Richard (Janel) Smith; grandchildren Ashleigh, Edward (Summer), Cassidy (Parker), Joseph, Emmalee and Natalee; and great-grandchildren William and Hayleigh. She is also survived by an abundance of extended family and friends in Southern California, Seattle WA, Sebastopol CA, and Bridgeport TX.

Chris was a two times cancer survivor. She was grateful for the many additional years that God gave to her after battling the disease. Chris deeply appreciated the value of life, friendships, and family.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, June 3rd, 2022, 2:00 PM at La Habra Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd, La Habra, CA 90631. In honor of Chris's pursuit of community service, please consider donating to Alzheimer's Orange County (www.alzoc.org) or to the John Henry Foundation (www.johnhenry.org).

Obituary published in the Orange County Register on May 29, 2022.

https://www.ocregister.com/obituaries/christine-jo-schaefer-placentia-ca/