Lynda Louise (Newbigging) Schaefer of Listowel passed away at Listowel Memorial Hospital on Sunday, December 29, 2024, in her 77th year.
Wife of Brian Schaefer for 57 years. Mother of Chris & Kelly Schaefer, and Scott & Jennifer Schaefer, all of Waterloo, and Tyler & Lisa Schaefer of Listowel.
Grandmother of Drew, Keaton, Jim, Cooper, Ryan, Alexis, Katelyn, Keira, and Brooke.
Daughter of Louise Newbigging of Listowel and the late Ken Newbigging (2000). Sister of Judy & John Coghlin, and Terry & Elizabeth Newbigging, all of Rosseau, Jill & Robert Sadler of Wiarton, John Newbigging of Trowbridge, Kirk & Gail Newbigging of Calgary, Alberta, Kim & Sheila Newbigging of Bayfield, and Jeff & Joyce Newbigging of Listowel, and sister-in-law of Julie Newbigging of Listowel.
Predeceased by her brothers Michael and Kevin Newbigging, nephew Marty Newbigging, niece Tammy Curran, and sister-in-law Debra Newbigging.
Lynda spent her life being a mother in so many ways. Raised as the oldest of 10 children, she helped keep the Newbigging household functioning (and anyone who knows the Newbiggings knows what a feat that is). After marrying a young Buddy Holly looking Brian, her effort to raise her boys when they were little would gain most mothers “supermom” status. Her kids were always the priority whether it be helping with speeches or science fairs, leading Sunday School, or running them from event to event.
Her hockey cheering was legendary as the gong and cheers are remembered by many, all done while knitting an afghan. She was a mother to so many that were not her own. She would bake for entire classes, host school and hockey parties at the cottage, lead many gatherings for friends and family, make food for those going through a rough time, and open her door to anyone. For years, she worked in the local obstetrics, welcoming so many newborns into the world and provided supportive and caring nursing. Lynda made the choice to support her husband’s ambition to run his own accounting firm, where she acted as a financial mother to so many clients. As years passed, her favourite role became grand-mother where she baked, made crafts, and shared in their growth and successes.
Lynda faced many challenges, but she never allowed those struggles to overshadow the love she had for her family, friends, and community… and all those she “mothered.” In turn, the love and understanding of her amazing friends and family were a testament to how deeply she was cherished by those around her.
A celebration of Lynda’s life was held at Parkview Gardens (Listowel Legion) on Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. with words of remembrance at 2:00 p.m. Please dress in casual attire.
Memorial donations to the Listowel Memorial Hospital Foundation would be appreciated, and may be made through the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel. Online condolences may be left at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca
