JULIA SCHAFER
Posted: July 17th, 2026
JULIA SCHAFER 1938 ~ 2026
Julia Schafer of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Peter Schafer, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the age of 87 years, just short of her 88th birthday. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her three children, Dale (Marian) and their children, Steven, Gillian (Nick) Petit, Lynsey (Jerry) Darling and Justin, Sandra (Carl) Seitz and their children, Anali (Andy) Moon, Carlei, Tanner and Kadon, Wendy Mytton and her children, David, Darcy (Joanna) and Danessa; her sister, Rose Pisoni; her sister-in-law, Helen Zacher, along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Peter of 62 years; her parents, Tony and Elizabeth Volk; her in-laws, John and Helen Schafer; her sister, Emily Anhelher; her brother, Leo Volk; her son-in-law, Dale Mytton and several sisters and brothers-in-law. Julia was born on July 22, 1938, and was the youngest child of Tony and Elizabeth Volk. She grew up on the family farm northwest of Fox Valley with two sisters, Emily and Rose, and one brother, Leo. She attended Roseflat and Fox Valley Schools. Julia married Peter in 1955, and lived in Schuler, farming and raising three children, Dale, Sandra, and Wendy. Julia and Peter grain farmed, raised their own animals and grew their own vegetables. Then they added doing custodial work at Schuler School. They moved into a house in Medicine Hat in 1977, and then again into a condo in 2010. Julia’s hobbies included bowling, curling while in Schuler, fishing (often catching the biggest fish), gardening, crocheting (slippers and afghans for all the grandchildren), baking, playing cards (most often winning), knitting, sewing, doing puzzles, reading, attending Tigers hockey games and watching the Blue Jay’s games on TV. Julia and Peter went on many memorable bus tours to Phoenix, Nashville, Branson, Hawaii, the Maritimes, Reno, Las Vegas, Arizona, Niagara Falls, North Dakota, Disneyland and Vancouver Expo, many times visiting casinos and even winning a little money. Julia was so proud to be blessed with 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She loved following them as they grew up. She always knew what each one was involved in and followed them in their achievements. Her biggest accomplishment was buying an iPad at age 80, and learning how to use it. She was determined and spent many hours playing games, doing puzzles, finding new recipes, learning new crafts, and surfing the web. She loved keeping in touch with family by messaging them. She watched her grandchildren grow up through pictures on Facebook. It was a pastime that brought her so much joy and kept her in touch with family and friends. Family and friends will gather for prayers in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. led by Deacon Robert Rissling. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the HOLY FAMILY PARISH on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Philip Le celebrant. Interment will follow in the HILLSIDE CEMETERY. To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME
AND CREMATORIUM
540 South Railway St. SE,
Medicine Hat T1A 4C2