Pamela Joyce (Maidment) Schaefer

Our dearly beloved mother and grandmother, Pamela Joyce “PJ” Schaefer has  “Popped Me Clogs!” as the old Cockney saying goes which Pamela used to always say and laugh about.  Pamela lived life to the fullest and never did take dying too seriously.  She was a very strong, independent woman full of life and positivity.  She called her own shots and whatever she said she would do, she would do to near perfection!  Pamela’s life was a bright light and her death was fast (like her driving - chuckle).  She will be missed by many.  

Pamela was born in London England on 10/9/1937 at St. Charlotte’s Hospital in South Hammersmith. She and her family of four survived World War II where her father served in the Queen’s Army under General Montgomery for six years; her mother worked as a welder in the London Transport making tanks for the war effort by day and volunteering in the evenings on ambulances helping the victims of the “blitz”; and Pamela and her only sibling Frances attended school, often in air-raid shelters during those war years. They were a strong and connected family and along with “Nanny Knight”, spent many happy years together after the war.  Pamela attended primary school in England and following “graduation” attended Pitman College in Central London.

In 1955, Pamela met an U.S. Air Force serviceman, Thomas Edward Farmer in London, England which resulted in the first of many Trans Atlantic flights beginning 4/9/1956.  She married Tom in Toledo, Ohio in July of 1956 and they were blessed with two daughters, Gail and Frances Farmer. 

On 1/9/1981, Pamela married her “soul mate” Francis Edward Schaefer and they had 11 years together, traveling, golfing at their beloved Highland Meadows Golf Club, and building their home in Brookfield Estates, Sylvania, Ohio.  Ed died at an early age in June 1992 and Pamela persevered, ever the strong person to carry on without him.     

Pamela gave her time and abundant energy to many worthy causes to name a few: 

The Daughters of the British Empire D.B.E. at the local (Sir James M. Barrie Chapter), state and national levels.  She was a member with this group from 1961 to the present, a total of 64 years!  She spearheaded many projects such as the International Institute of Toledo and Christmas Around the World at the Toledo Zoo.  This organization raises money for various charities both locally and for the British Home in Illinois.  Pamela had many life long friends through her association with the D.B.E. and most notably and recently with her dear, dear friend Rosalynn.  

Pamela served as a Board Member for the Highland Meadows Golf Club (HMGC) and was the first female to be admitted as a club member in 1991.  She served on the Board for several years.  Pamela loved her game of golf with Ed and it was here that she celebrated many big events in her life - her SURPRISE 50th birthday party, celebrations for both daughters and husband Ed and now her final Celebration of Life.  Most recently, Pamela has been a part of the Centennial Celebration committee being held at HMGC on 8/2/2025.  Over this past year, she has enjoyed interviewing members to create a collection of club memories and looking through the club archives to preserve club history.  She is proud of her “club” and loved her time spent there. 

Pamela enjoyed her time in helping two Sylvania causes … the Flower Hospital Auxiliary and especially the Sylvania Area Family Services (SAFS).  Again, she formed many wonderful relationships through these important charities.  

From the time she landed in the United States, Pamela worked as an administrative assistant while raising her two daughters and her organization skills and “can do” work ethic made small work to the many projects she was put in charge of at the University of Toledo (International Studies, History Department, English Department and College of Law).  

Pamela LOVED to travel and she traveled the world over including Dubai, the Siberian Oriental Express (swimming in Lake Bakal) and many countries in Europe.  And then of course to her beloved homeland, England!  Pamela flew “across the pond” over 35 times since 1956 to the present to visit her family and most recently in 2024 to see her sister Frances, niece Karen (Charlotte & Amber) and nephew Lee.  A trip planned for October of 2025 will go on as scheduled by her daughters to celebrate her 88th birthday with their English family.   

Pamela is survived by her sister Frances (Roy) Pishhorn; daughters Gail (Drew) Masse and Frances (Daniel McCarty) Farmer; granddaughters Ellen Masse and Haley Masse; nephew Lee (Teresa) Prentice and niece Karen Jane (Nick Hill) Stebbings; and grandnieces and nephew Lara, Jason, Amber and Charlotte.  

Pamela is predeceased by her husband Francis Edward Schaefer; father, Francis Henry Maidment; mother Amy (Shed) Maidment); and brother-in-law Roy Pishhorn.   

According to her wishes, no funeral services will be held; however, a celebration of Pamela’s life is scheduled at the Highland Meadows Golf Course @ 7455 Erie St, Sylvania, OH 43560.  All close friends of the family are invited to an open house to honor the beautiful person she was between 3-7:00 pm. Tuesday July 29, 2025   At 5:00 p.m. a “Blessing and Toast” session will be available to those who would like to convey their wishes.  

The family would like to thank all of the incredible professionals at the Hospice of NW Ohio for their support; the wonderful staff at HMGC;  and the many friends and neighbors who have reached out to share their stories of Pamela and provided meals to the family.

Suggestions for donations made in Pamela’s memory are the Daughters of the British Empire, Sir James M. Barrie Chapter, c/o Chapter Treasurer R. Pearson @ 2302 Stonybrook Blvd., Sylvania, OH 43560; or the Sylvania Area Family Services at 5440 Marshall Rd, Sylvania, OH 43560.

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