Martha Jo (Davis) Schaefer

Martha Jo Schaefer, 82, of Sylvania, Ohio, passed away on Friday, February 19, 2021 at home with her loving husband, John, at her side.  She fought a courageous battle with Pancreatic cancer.  She was born on March 3, 1938 to Zed and Mildred Davis in Washington, IN, the older of two children.                                                                            

Jo grew up on Mill St. in Washington, IN and attended Southside Grade School and graduated from Washington High School class of 1956. Many fond memories of those days were revisited by her at class reunions throughout her life. She met her husband, Jack, after he returned from service in the  U.S. Army that began a 64-year marriage where joy and happiness reigned, resulting in a family of four children and ten grandchildren.                                                                             

Jo and Jack moved from Washington to West Lafayette, Indiana so that Jack could continue his college education at Purdue University. She worked for the University in the accounting section, helping to support their young family. She had hoped to achieve her own degree, but this did not happen due to their growing family and moving to where the jobs were. Relocating to Sylvania in 1981 resulted in continuation of family rearing but also a successful career as a  travel agent with Atlas Travel.  In addition, she volunteered for many years as a Eucharistic  minister, for St. Joseph Church bringing Holy Communion to catholic residents at Kingston Nursing Home.                                                                                                      

Jo, in her devotion to others, was famous for always being organized and making sure cards were sent out on birthdays, anniversaries and other important dates.  She had these things in advance and had them addressed and stamped ahead of time. That went for gifts and presents for family at special times of the year as well. She was also a great cook which was evident from those meals she prepared on Easter and Christmas. Family reunions were one of her favorite events too, allowing her to visit with extended families and cousins from around the country.  She loved them all.                                                                                                                                                     

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Zed and Mildred Davis, and granddaughter, Lucy.  She is survived by her husband Jack; brother, Dan; and children Jan (Tim) O’Boyle, John (Madeline) Schaefer, Jill (Dan) Lenart and Jeffrey (Taryn Stewart) Schaefer and  grandchildren, Sean (Hillary), Ryan, Brennan, and Kevin O’Boyle, John K, Davis, Max Schaefer, Daniel, Jamie Lenart, also many loving nieces, nephews and friends.  Our family would like to thank Dr. Robert Axonovitz and Dr. Timothy Kasunic, for their loving care of Jo over these many years.  Promedica Home Hospice also where extremely helpful in Jo’s final days especially Rob, Lisa, Kerry, Ashley and Joan.                                                                                                          

Visitation will be held at Reeb Funeral Home 5712 N. Main St. Sylvania, on Friday, February 26, 2021 between 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.   The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5373 S. Main St., Sylvania, OH, Saturday, February 27, 2021, at 10:00 A.M. For safety of family and guests, masks will be required with social distancing.   Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Those wishing to give a memorial are asked to consider the American Cancer Society, St. Joseph Church, Heartbeat of Toledo, or other charities of their choice.   

Online condolences may be offered to Jo’s family at www.reebfuneralhome.com.  

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