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Mary Ellen Schaefer
MARY ELLEN (SANDERS) SCHAEFER
Knoxville, Tenn.
Mary Ellen Sanders Schaefer passed peacefully Nov. 13, 2021, after fighting a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
She was born July 20, 1943, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to her parents, Julius and Rose Sanders. Mary Ellen was a member of the Knoxville's Writer Group and enjoyed sharing her stories. She was president of the Knoxville Chapter of Hadassah from 1996-1998 and was actively involved in helping Jewish Russian immigrants.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Gloria Sanders.
She was a loving wife to Dr. Barrett Alan Schaefer; an adoring mother to her son, A.J. Schaefer; daughter, Emily Schaefer Williams; and son-in-law, Ashley C. Williams. She leaves behind her grandchildren, Jakob Ross Schaefer, Sydney Barrett Williams and Sawyer Joseph Williams, who brought her endless pride and joy.
Mary Ellen loved all her friends and family and will be greatly missed.
A funeral service was held Nov. 21 at Rose Funeral and Cremation-Mann Chapel. Interment at the East Tennessee Veteran's Cemetery, 2200 E. Gov. John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society in her honor. You are also invited to view and sign the online guest book at wwwrosefuneraltn.com.
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