Maria "Tess" Teresita Schaeffer

Maria Teresita “Tess” Schaeffer, 69, beloved wife of James Donald Schaeffer, passed away on January 18, 2018.  Tess met her husband in 1972 in the Philippine Islands while he was deployed with the US Navy.  After a chance encounter at a local restaurant, they corresponded through a series of letters, fell in love, and married on February 12, 1973 in Natividad, Guagua Pampanga.  They ultimately settled with their family in Warminster in 1986.

Tess was a wonderful mother and a loving and compassionate woman who demonstrated exceptional strength and resilience in her battle with kidney disease.  She was a transplant recipient and cancer survivor.  Despite her numerous challenges, she made a career of caring for young children, spending many years as an educator at Naval Air Station Willow Grove in Horsham, PA.  She had limitless talent and passion for cooking and gardening.

Tess was the daughter of Zacarias Lintag Castro and Carmen Serrano Castro and one of six siblings – brother Rewell and sisters Cora, Doris, Paz and Luz.  She is survived by her husband and best friend, Jim, her daughter Karen, her son John and his wife Emily, and their daughters Maggie and Kinley, her brother-in-law John and his wife Janie, as well as numerous family members throughout the U.S., the Philippines and Greece, who all had a positive influence in her life and whom she loved dearly.  Her family would like to thank the gracious staff at Doylestown Hospital for all their compassion and care.  

Relatives and friends are invited to her Funeral Mass on Thursday Morning, January 25, 2018 at 11am, at Our Lady of Good Counsel RC Church, 611 Knowles Ave, Southampton, PA 18966.  Visitation in church from 10am to 10:45am.

Interment will be on Friday Morning, January 26, 2018 at 8:45am at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd, Newtown, PA 18940.

Arrangements by John J. Bryers Funeral Home  www.bryersfh.com

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