Nancy Kennedy Gallup Schaefer

DURHAM- Nancy Kennedy Gallup Schaefer, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, at Croasdaile Village in Durham, North Carolina. She lived a life filled with love, humor, happiness, and an unwavering commitment to family.

Born on November 18, 1934, to Benjamin and Lucy Gallup, Nancy was raised on the Gallup Homestead Dairy Farm in Voluntown, Connecticut.

In 1957, she married the love of her life, Tom Schaefer, at the U.S. Coast Guard Chapel in New London, Connecticut. Their 61 years of marriage were filled with love, laughter, and a shared spirit of adventure. As Tom dedicated 30 years of service to the U.S. Coast Guard, Nancy embraced the life of a military wife, expertly managing their household through numerous relocations across the United States, including two memorable assignments to Hawaii. No matter where they lived, she created a warm and welcoming home, forming lifelong friendships and ensuring that her family thrived.

Nancy had a zest for life and a wide array of talents. She was an avid reader, a skilled seamstress, and a passionate knitter—especially known for crafting nativity sets for every member of the family. She had a love for games, excelling at bridge and pitch, and was a formidable opponent on the tennis court, where her signature hard cross court shots were well known at Hollow Rock Swim and Racquet Club.

A gifted baker, Nancy’s kitchen was always filled with warmth and the sweet aroma of homemade treats. Even after being diagnosed with celiac disease, she took on the challenge with determination, mastering the art of gluten-free baking and ensuring her family could still enjoy their favorite recipes.

Her faith was a guiding force in her life, and she was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Durham.

Nancy’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her five children: Bill Schaefer (Michelle) of Durham, NC; Charlie Schaefer (Frauke) of Durham, NC; Dan Schaefer (Sue) of Raleigh, NC; Terry Hedeman (Brian) of Eagan, MN; and Gina Jacquier (Ken) of Durham, NC. She also leaves behind a legacy of love in her 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

The Schaefer family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many wonderful aides, staff and friends who compassionately cared for and visited Nancy during her stay at Croasdaile Village’s memory care unit, with special thanks to Fatmata Amadu for the love and kindness she showed Nancy.

Nancy’s kindness, warmth, and unwavering devotion to her family will be deeply missed, but her love and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and cherished her.

A Memorial Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Immaculate Conception. Officiating will be Fr. Manuel Viera. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to support the Celiac Disease Center at the University of Chicago Medicine honoring Nancy’s passion for educating others about Celiac disease. Checks may be made payable to the “University of Chicago Medicine” and sent to the following address:

University of Chicago Gift Administration and Business Data, Nancy Schaefer Memorial, 5235 S. Harper Court, 4th Floor Chicago, IL 60615 or, you can donate online to the Celiac Disease Center using this link: https://tinyurl.com/5xxavrdy.

The Schaefer family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Please visit www.hallwynne.com and select obituaries, in order to share your online condolences with Nancy’s family.