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MaryAlice Kennedy-Schafer

April 25, 1927 — January 7, 2022.

MaryAlice Kennedy-Schafer, 94, of Springfield, died  peacefully at her home, 9:05 a.m. on Friday, January 7, 2022.    
 
MaryAlice was born April 25, 1927, in Springfield, the daughter of Edmund J. and Helen (Tilly) Kern. She married John R. Kennedy on June 18, 1949, at Blessed Sacrament in Springfield; he preceded her in death on November 26, 1995. She later married Richard ìDickî C. Schafer in 2007; he preceded her in death on November 28, 2010.  She was also preceded in death by her parents; sister-in-law, Patricia Ganey; brother-in-law, Michael (Mick) Ganey;  and niece, Kathleen Ganey.

MaryAlice graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and earned her associate degree from Springfield College. She was a musician at heart and was a piano teacher for 58 years. MaryAlice taught private lessons at Ursuline School of Music and also worked at Kalamazoo Michigan Music College and Milliken University. She mentored countless private students throughout her teaching career. She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church, Illinois State Music Teachers Association, and the Illinois  Federation of Music Clubs. She was an avid bridge player with many longtime friends.

MaryAlice is survived by her cousin, Marilyn Trice of Sun City, Fla. who was like a sister; her children:  Jane (Laura Yager) Kennedy of New Orleans, L.A., Sallie (Scott) Fulwiler of New Lenox, Ill, John C. (Karin) Kennedy of Hamilton, Ohio, Maureen Hoover of Springfield, Ill., and Amy (Paul) Kozy of Indian Head Park, Ill.; step-children: Mary (Danny) Coker, Linda (Ken) Douglas, and Chris Brockhagen; twelve grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild, and six nieces and nephews.

Memorial Gathering and Funeral Mass:  Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. on Friday, February 11, 2022, at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Jeff Grant, celebrant. Burial to follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Illinois COVID-19 guidance will be followed, requiring face coverings.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Greater Midwest Affiliate, Memorials and Tributes, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, Ill., 60674.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, Ill.
Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences. 

1 Comment

  1. Cheryl Bryant Millman on January 17, 2022 at 8:26 pm

    Maureen and Amy, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a very special person. I spent many hours next to the baby grand piano singing while your Mom played so beautifully. Those are special times that I will cherish forever. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

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