As the oldest of six children, Linda Schaefer has leaned into her big sister qualities for more than 80 years. As she puts it, she always felt she had “already raised a family.”
Linda earned her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Columbus College of Art and Design and later, a master’s degree from Miami University. During her master’s journey, she met her husband, Jack. Linda explained, “Another student in the same building I was living in often borrowed stuff for cleaning, ironing and sewing. I could also occasionally smell his cooking. I figured that if he could do his own wash, cooking, sewing and cleaning, he might be worth dating.”
The two married on a cold winter night in 1977 at St. Mary’s Church in Oxford, Ohio. Throughout their marriage, Linda and Jack resided in various cities across Ohio, as well as in Chicago and California. They moved several times for Jack’s job opportunities, all while Linda’s career unfolded in the education and publishing industries. Recently, they celebrated 47 loving years of marriage. “Being a good listener, rather than a talker, leads to lifelong relationships,” offered Linda.
After a flurry of moves, the Schaefers decided to relocate closer to Linda’s sister in Monroe, Ohio, and about two years ago, they moved to Ohio Living Mount Pleasant. They love their house, neighbors and the community.
“It feels like a community because we’ve come to know so many other residents and the awesome staff,” shared Linda. “If you are thinking of making a move to a retirement community, make a plan to downsize, find new homes for all the stuff you really don’t need anymore, fill out the forms, get on the list and find a new home here at Ohio Living Pleasant!”
On a more personal note, Linda’s greatest accomplishment is having traveled throughout the U.S.A., Europe and Holy Land. In particular, she enjoyed seeing the ancient city of Petra, in the country of Jordan, through the eyes of an archeologist. She also has a special affinity for bluegrass music.