Patricia D. (Rankin) Schafer, age 69, of Gettysburg, died peacefully at home on Monday, June 1, 2015. Born February 18, 1946, in Ithaca, NY, she was the daughter of Webb Wilson Rankin and the late Ester Marion Canty (Rankin). She is survived by her loving husband, James William Schafer, to whom she was married for almost 20 years.
Pat was raised in the Finger Lakes region of New York, in the village of Interlaken. She graduated from Interlaken Central High School in 1964 and earned her RN at Willard State Hospital. Pat enjoyed being an intensive care nurse for 32 years, most recently at Howard County General Hospital. In retirement, she enjoyed traveling to 49 states and 4 continents and capturing her adventures on film. Pat was a huge Brian Boitano fan and followed him across the US and to the 1994 Olympics in Norway. She loved to cook and had plenty of practice at the family gatherings she instigated over the last 20 years of her life. She relished time with her grandchildren, enjoying their many activities and being a part of their growing up.
Surviving in addition to her husband are son Michael and his wife Connie of Charlotte, NC; son Daniel and wife Donna of Beaverdam, VA; daughter Deborah and husband Michael Haraszkiewicz of Sterling, VA; step-son Steve Schafer and wife Jenn of Thurmont, MD; and step-daughter Alison Globus of Hampstead, MD. She is also survived by sister Joan Rankin of Crownsville, MD; and brother Kevin Rankin and friend Sherri Nicolosi of Auburn, NY. Her sister, Linda Wyer, of Wilmington, DE, predeceased Pat. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held in Interlaken, NY, at the convenience of her family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home in Emmitsburg. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Spiritrust Lutheran Home Care and Hospice, Inc., 260 West High Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325.
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