Shirley Schacher was the kind of person who made you feel special. Her curiosity helped her know people deeply, and her constant desire to bring people together created a lifetime of genuine connection—making everyone around her feel seen and loved.
She cared about others in a way that showed her genuine interest in them, often asking about their favorite classes in school as her way to break the ice. She had a gift for seeing and celebrating what was special in each person and often showed her love through action, such as driving 2 states away to take care of Ken after he broke his leg. She was also full of surprises—like recruiting even the grumpiest of neighbors to drop in as Santa Claus on Christmas Eve--supplying the rented suit and a bag of presents—delighting her kids and softening hearts with joyful experiences.
Shirley’s drive to form meaningful relationships resonated with her husband, Jim, a pastor who often said her ability to connect with others helped him overcome his childhood shyness and to serve as a minister for 40 years. Together they formed a remarkable partnership, serving side-by-side in churches, youth programs, and family life. Sometimes those overlapped—like when she convinced Jim to let the youth group transform their basement into a haunted house for Halloween, delighting neighbors and church members.
Their teamwork in guiding and loving their sons—and later caring for their three grandsons over fourteen years—has left a legacy that will shape their family for generations. Shirley was also the heart behind their creative Christmas letters, rallying everyone to write together and thus stay connected with the many friends and family they cherished.
Now, Jim faces life without his best friend and companion of 65 years. With his eyesight deteriorating from macular degeneration, Shirley had become his eyes and constant support--making her absence now felt in countless ways.
This new chapter brings challenges, including the financial strain of funeral expenses, moving, and adjusting to life in a new home with one of his sons. Donations will help ease these transitions and also support a charitable cause to be chosen in Shirley’s honor—continuing her legacy of generosity, joy, and love.