CATHERINE (ANNE) SCHAFFTER (OVEREND)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

CATHERINE (ANNE) SCHAFFTER
(nee OVEREND)

Catherine "Anne" Schaffter Overend, born April 7, 1926 in Peterborough, died peacefully on July 29, 2022 in Toronto, surrounded by her children, Cathy, Tim (Diana) and John (Cheryl) -- the same day as her husband died 11 years later.
Anne earned a BA from the University of Toronto and a Masters of Social Work from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. In 1950, while returning by ship from a European tour, she met an Englishman emigrating to Canada. John "Jack" Schaffter became a teacher at Upper Canada College in Toronto and in 1952, Anne became his beloved wife of 60 years until his death. John was appointed headmaster of St. John's Ravenscourt School in Winnipeg in 1970, then headmaster of St. Michael's University School in Victoria in 1976. Anne was an invaluable support at both schools, while continuing her career as a social worker at YWCA in Toronto and Winnipeg and at Juan de Fuca Hospital in Victoria. Anne lived a life of constant service to others based on her strong faith, touching the hearts of all she met, and founded an active Amnesty International chapter at the age of 90. She was an avid reader, gardener and embroiderer who recreated a section of the Bayeux Tapestry. An adventurous traveller, Anne and John camper-trailered around North America with the three kids and two terriers, later flying with John as far as Romania, Thailand, Bali and Bangladesh. Her spirit of service, kindness, broad-mindedness, humour and common sense are some of the many gifts she leaves to grateful children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her cherished sister Mary is 99.
The family receives relatives and friends at the Memorial Mass at Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains, 411 Reid Street, Peterborough, Ontario on August 18, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. followed by a reception at Knights of Columbus Hall, 317 Hunter Street West, Peterborough.
The mass is also available by Livestream: go to www.comstockkaye.com and search "Catherine Anne Schaffter" to take you to her page. Scroll down to services and select Livestream.
In memory of Anne, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences can be made at www.comstockkaye.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 13, 2022