Obituaries

April 9th, 2026

Diane P. (Bristow) Schaefer, 79, of Boothwyn, Pa., passed away suddenly, yet, peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.  She found her way home to her Heavenly Father on Tuesday March 31, 2026.

Born on June 6, 1946, to William and Jane Bristow, Diane was raised in Chester, PA. She received her education at Notre Dame and Chester High Schools, where she formed many of her earliest friendships and memories. Later in her life, Diane served as a CNA at the Assisi House of Aston where she later received a scholarship to obtain her LPN. She found true purpose in caring for others, touching countless lives through her compassion and dedication as a nurse.

Diane will be remembered for her deep love for Jesus, Mary, and the Catholic Church, reflected in the faithful way she cared for those around her. Through her faith in Jesus and her passion for the Pro‑Life movement, Diane was led to Vanessa, an eleven‑month‑old girl from Honduras in need of a liver transplant. What began as helping with appointments soon led Diane to open her home to Vanessa and her mother, Belinda. Diane supported, fundraised, and embraced them as family for more than twenty years.

Diane was a proud Mom, Mom-Mom and Grammy whose greatest joy was being around her family. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren, and she especially loved picking out Carter’s clothes for them. They created special memories together attending shows at Sight & Sound Theater and Disney on Ice. At Christmas time, she enjoyed having a birthday party for Jesus, teaching the true reason for the season and passing that tradition on to her loved ones. Diane will forever be remembered for her strength in God and love for her family.

In her spare time, she enjoyed watching the Hallmark Channel, visiting Ocean City, New Jersey and baking her delicious pumpkin bread to share with her family.

Diane is survived by her husband of 58 years, William (Bill), 3 children; Dawn (John), Stephen, Michael (Rose), her 11 grandchildren, 2 great grandsons, and siblings; Joan, Philip and Brian. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister; Nancy, brother; David, and good friend Barbara.

A viewing will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (3255 Concord Road Aston, Pa 19014) on Thursday April 16, 2026 at 9:30 am with a Funeral Mass following at 10:30 am. Burial will follow the Mass at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Aston, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests Mass cards be offered in honor of Diane.

Wearing blue, her favorite color, would be a beautiful way to celebrate Diane’s life at her service.