Schafer, Sandra L. "Sandy" Of Brookline and Provincetown, passed away on May 15th, 2014, after a long struggle with a brain tumor. She passed peacefully, knowing she is loved, surrounded by family. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, she received her BA at the University of Cincinnati in graphic design, and her MFA in art education at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, where she later taught graphic design and production. During this time, Sandy served as Director of Project Art Center in Cambridge. In 1978, Sandy ran the summer arts program at the Provincetown Fine Arts Work Center, and met her partner of 36 years, Bernie LaCasse. Sandy and Bernie became partners in design and life, establishing the firm of Schafer LaCasse Design in Boston, which thrived until her passing. Sandy had a passion for friends, fun and all things Italian. Full of energy and ideas, she brought joy and life to every thing she touched. She is survived by her husband, Bernie LaCasse, her sisters Bonnie Eggena (Patrick) and Vickie Schafer Aspinwall (Mel Marmer), her brother Scott Schafer (Cornelia), her nieces and nephews Kendra Gelner, Brandon Eggena, Alex Schafer, Olivia Schafer, and her dog Misti. She leaves behind an amazing extended family made up of her beloved friends who were a great support, and provided strength to her through her illness. A memorial service is planned for September in Provincetown.
Published in The Boston Globe on June 2, 2014
John Kimpel
I had the good fortune of knowing Sandy since we were in elementary school together at Kennedy-Silverton. After losing touch after high school, we bumped into each other in Boston, where we both lived, about 20 years ago. Sandy moved here after college to attend art school, where she met her long-time partner, Bernard LaCasse. We'd all get together (not as frequently as I now wish we had) in Boston or on the Cape and it was always a good time. So it was a bit of a shock when word came through the grapevine a year ago that Sandy might be really sick. I called her and asked if it were true. Her reply: "Brain cancer." Not what I had hoped to hear. As is too often the case with this particular disease, there comes a time when the docs say "We're done. Nothing more we can do." For Sandy, that time came last fall.
So what did Sandy and Bernie do when they got that horrible news? They decided to get married! Here is how I described it then in an email:
I attended Sandy and Bernie's wedding at their house the weekend before last. They have been a couple for decades but never tied the knot until now. As you might expect, it was both happy and sad. Sandy's sisters and brother were there, along with about 100 of Sandy and Bernie's friends. The weather was perfect and the day began with a small dog parade in the park across the street, followed by a buffet breakfast. Then the ceremony took place, with Sandy's brother Scott as the officiant. After drinks, we had a buffet lunch (my first 2 meal wedding ever). Sandy was in good spirits, but excused herself a couple of times due to fatigue. Radiation and chemo take their toll. Not sure what the future will bring, but I am happy to report that, for one day at least, everything was perfect.
Jill Gaible (Scheidt)
I feel as though I lost one of my best friends, even though Sandy and I had not been very close since junior high. Sandy and I grew up in Kennedy Heights and I remember going to her house to play and being enamored of her big sister, Bonnie. We went to dance class all through elementary school and appeared in many "performances" together. One of the things that amazes me is we all used to walk home from dance class when it was dark outside - and we were only about 7 or 8 years old. Sandy and I also shared a bond in our Girl Scout troop #298 from Brownies through Junior High. We were a close knit group in Junior High - football and basketball games, dances at Golf Manor in the summer, parties at Ron Dreffer's and Sandy Slete's houses, and slumber parties. What a wonderful time of our lives and what special friendships we developed. My prayers go out to Bernie and Sandy's family. I feel a deep sadness just knowing I won't get to see her at our 50th.
Sheila Freeman
I wish my best to the family and friends of Sandy Schafer. Sandy and I became close friends while we where both in the the Graphic Design program at the University of Cincinnati and shared an apartment while in college. Pulling all-nighters to get the projects done, having friends over all the time because we were the ones that had the apartment off campus and attending the same classes for five years. Sandy was fun, always laughing and a delight to be with. We drifted apart after UC and it's been a shock to see what her life ended with. You never want to see that. I'll always have fun and lovely memories of Sandy.
Robin Sevester (Avery)
At this point in our lives we truly have a lifetime of memories . It is always so pleasant to remember the special ones. I cannot think of Shroeder Junior High school or Woodward High School without great and happy memories of Sandy. We shared a lot of time together cheerleading , three years with Ruby Compton in homeroom, Woodward Showcase, Kappa Delta Pi, parties and dances, and sleepovers. And ocassional boyfriends? Lol.
Sandy had a spirit that energized the moment. I caught up a few years ago in Boston with John Kimpel and Sandy. We all met for dinner and as planned I spent the night at Sandy's house in Brookline. After dinner and a glass of wine or two, Sandy brought out the old yearbook and her scrapbooks. Did we ever have fun! And we stayed up late laughing and catching up. I am so glad I took the opportunity to connect with her on that visit to Boston. We had so much catching up to do.
All who knew Sandy surely feel the loss of her vitality and spirit. I send my deepest condolences to Bernie and Sandy's family and share in your loss.
Ray Spencer
Sandy and I had a close relationship in junior high school. She was my slow dance partner. Along with many of the others from the Shroeder gang, I remember attending the monthly dances at the church in Pleasant Ridge which for many of us guys was where we first began to socialize with girls. For those of us who (1) had enough nerve to ask a girl to dance and (2) knew how to dance it was a good start for the romances that followed in high school. I have no recollection of how our relationship began but I do remember we were able to spin and twirl and dip without falling over each others feet and crashing on the floor. These dance floor acrobatics caught the attention of the slow dance contest judges and frequently we were the winners. I have a memory of the contest being announced over the PA and the two of us going looking for each other, then dancing and collecting our prizes and then returning back to whatever group we were a part of. My last dance with Sandy was at our high school reunion held at a country club in Glendale. For old times sake we danced one more slow dance, complete with a spin, a twirl and a dip. I'm sure now that Sandy is dancing in the heavens and free of pain. I'm very greatful for this memory and her friendship.
James Myers
I went to school with Sandy as did most of you, starting with Kennedy Silverton Elementary, Shroeder Junior High, and good ol' Woodward High School. What I remember most is seeing Sandy's smiling face and her contagious enthusiasm as a cheer Leader at our football games. That is how I choose to remember her, always happy, always active. God bless you Sandy, your suffering and pain are over!
Elinda Fishman (Kiss)
Sorry to learn that you are gone. I ran against Sandy for Senior class secretary, but she won, and was a great secretary. When I look at the yearbook, I saw her in many activities. She was a great person.
Dorothy Eliazbeth Hill (Warner)
My memories of Sandy go way back to tap dancing at Kennedy Heights & swimming at the Silverton pool. She lived on Sampson Lane, not far from my house on Plainfield. Later on we carpooled to UC in my then boyfriend's red & white AMC Metro. She would somehow squeeze herself in that tiny back seat and proceed to put on her make-up (including eyeliner and mascara) whie the little car went bouncing down the road. Only a true artist would even attempt such a feat! Sandy and Bernie came to Arnold's to hear me sing on several occasions when they were in town. The last time I saw her, they brought her Dad and his new girlfriend from the assisted living home with them and they sat right up next to me at the first table where we were able to visit. It as a very special night and one that I shall always treasure.