Jean E. Avichouser Schaefer died on Nov. 14, 2015, at the age of 84.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Harold “Hal” Schaefer; parents, Charles Avichouser and Harriet Harris Avichouser; and her brother, Charles Avichouser.
She is survived by her three children, Steven Schaefer and wife Lisa Oliver, Brian Schaefer and wife Sylvia Koti and Susan Schaefer. She is also survived by her two grandsons, Nicholas Schaefer and Harrison Schaefer and wife Aleksandra Jurisin and step-granddaughter, Ilona Koti.
Jean was born in Chicago in 1930, was a graduate of Chicago public schools and Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois. She married Hal Schaefer in 1954 and they lived in the Chicago area; Greenwich, Connecticut; Portarlington, Ireland; Staunton, Virginia; and Wilmington.
Jean taught school, focusing on the lower grades and special education. She worked with preschool children and as the director of an after-school center. As a longtime member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), she was dedicated to the goals of women’s education and equality. She was also active in the Wilmington Chapter of the United Nations Association.
Her love of the visual arts led her to volunteer at the Cameron Art Museum as a docent for over 20 years. She loved leading tours of the museum for children and adults. Travel was another of her interests and she visited many parts of the world. At home she loved reading and belonged to a number of book clubs.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cameron Art Museum or AAUW.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Andrews Mortuary.
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