Edith Ellen "Gigi" Schaefer (Graeber) passed away peacefully after a brief but courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family on May 18th, 2024 in Media, PA.  Edith "Edie" was born November 23rd, 1937 to Alfred Conrad and Anna Viola Graeber.  A graduate of Springfield High School, Edie was deemed "Class Clown" and it was that humor that uplifted her and everyone around her throughout life.  She was a loving Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Great-Great Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Great Aunt, Best Friend and a Friend to many.  First and foremost, throughout her entire life she was devoted to her family.  But she also managed to balance family life with her work which included over the years; Insurance, Advertising and her most favorite as a Preschool Teacher. She was also an activist for AIDS awareness.

Edie was full of life and did not want anyone to be sad about her passing and wanted everyone to celebrate her life by living life to the fullest every day!  She promised that she would be everyone's "Guardian Angel".  She told the family to look up at the twinkling stars in the night sky for comfort and she will be looking back with a smile full of love to warm our hearts.

She would reference the following writing:  When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand; The angel said my place was ready, In Heaven far above, And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.  But when I walked through Heaven's Gates, I felt so much at home, for God looked down, smiled at me, And told me "Welcome Home."  So, when tomorrow starts without me, Don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right there in your heart.

Edie lived by, "Get the most out of every day and be happy" and "A meal is not a meal without dessert"!   Christmas was her absolute favorite time of year; she enjoyed getting together with family and friends, retelling hilarious stories/jokes and reflecting on blessings. She loved to decorate and make the holidays magical for her loved ones.  She played the piano over the years and loved the songs Edelweiss and Climb Every Mountain.  Edie also enjoyed going to the casino to play the slot machines, and the house always favored her. She loved watching TV with her family and shows like "Law & Order", Family Feud (she loved Steve Harvey), Press Your Luck, the movie "Mamma Mia" or any movie with Melissa McCarthy in it.  She was an avid golfer and enjoyed many years at Edgmont Country Club.  She loved Ocean City, NJ and spent many summers there with family and friends on St. James Place.  Edie never left the house without her hair neatly done, makeup on and her clothes fully matching.  She loved to wear her zip up sweatshirts and had every color imaginable but her most favorite was the "neon green"; everyone always complimented her on this color and you could see her coming from a mile away!

Edie will be missed dearly by family and friends, but throughout her years she has created numerous fun-filled loving memories for all who knew her, which will allow her legacy to live on generation after generation for all to enjoy.

Her family finds peace knowing she is reunited in heaven with her loved ones - Edie is preceded in death by her Father - Alfred Conrad Graeber, Mother - Ana Viola Graeber, Brother - Al Graeber, Daughter - Sally Schaefer and Great Grandson - Chase Schaefer.  She is survived by three daughters Sandra Bacot (Chris), Susan Schafer and Sherry Schaefer.  She was a proud and loving grandmother ("Gigi") to BJ Schaefer, Shannon Austin (Collin), Robbie Grassano (Ashley), Stephanie Reyna (Taylor), Rich Wadsworth, and Kathy Schaefer (Vincent). The legacy of "Gigi" continues through her great-grandchildren: Joey Schaefer, Susie Schaefer (Rob), Schaefer Austin, Julie Reyna, Khloe Schaefer, Maddox Austin, Finn Grassano, Logan Reyna, and Lucy Grassano and her great-great-grandson; Bobby Miller.  Additionally, she is survived by her sister Joanne Joyce, nephew Jimmy Joyce, niece Jennifer Joyce, great nephew Jason Olson, great niece Kaitlyn Olson and her best friend Pat Graf.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Mainline Health Hospital - Media, Pa. - Palliative Care/Hospice.  The Family would like to extend our gratitude to Main Line Health Hospital, Media, Pa. - EMS Service, Emergency Department, Specialists, Hospital Staff, Palliative Care, Hospice Care, Media Ambulance and Upper Providence Police Department for their dedication and compassion.