Barbara Claire Schafer

Barbara Claire Schafer passed away on March 12, 2026, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was 77. Born on July 14, 1948, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Captain Fasting Wathne and Marguerite Styles Wathne, Barbara was cherished as her father’s “little girl.” He would bounce her on his knee even as a teenager and sing her Norwegian baby songs. Her mother, shaped by the Great Depression, was strong, independent, and the steadfast foundation of the family. Barbara’s parents and her older brother, John Wathne, predeceased her. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Sue Wathne of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, nephew Richard of Idaho, and niece Allison of Carmel, New York.

For sixty years, Barbara shared her life with John Russell Schafer, her boyfriend of sixty years and husband of fifty-eight. They lived for forty-eight years in the same house on Crabapple Court in Wappingers Falls, a place that remained dear to them. In recent years, they made their home with their daughter Amanda Pantaleo and son-in-law Nick Pantaleo, and their grandchildren Abbey and Andrew. Barbara is also survived by her sons, John Schafer Jr. and his wife Diana of Manassas, Virginia, and William Schafer of Fairfax, Virginia, along with six grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Brady.

Determined to support her children’s education, Barbara returned to school and earned her nursing degree from Dutchess Community College in record time. She enjoyed a twenty-three-year career in nursing, working at Central Dutchess Nursing Home, Craig House Hospital, the Montrose V.A., Astor Home, and finally with Dutchess County BOCES. She brought compassion and strength to her work, especially in her care for adolescents, and remained a fierce advocate for parents’ rights and a devoted protector of her own family.

In her later years, Barbara faced cognitive decline with the steadfast support of her husband, family, and devoted caregivers. Love letters from six decades together, golden oldies, and counting their “life’s angels” brought comfort and connection. She found special joy in her shelter dog Ollie, a happy and affectionate companion who enriched their days. Barbara’s beautiful spirit, her love for her family, and her enduring partnership with John remain in the hearts of all who knew her.