Judith Ann Schafers' Obituary
Judith Ann (Judie) Schafers, 81, of Sun City Center, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025 surrounded by family after a brief illness.
Judie was born April 13, 1943 in St. Louis, MO the daughter of Theodore and Marion (Hohman) Schafers. She received a Catholic education at Ascension Grade School and Incarnate Word Academy High School in the St. Louis area. At an early age she excelled in sports, was lead scorer of her high school basketball team and played with several fast-pitch softball teams.
Judie attended college at Webster University in St. Louis. Judie’s professional career in business started with TWA airlines as a sales agent. Her career path advanced quickly as she was promoted to positions at TWA in Kansas City and New York. Her expertise in the new field of computerized business systems led to her promotion as Director of Automation Systems for TWA. Her team pioneered the functional development of “PARS”, which was the first automated airline reservations system in the industry. This system was soon expanded to include travel agencies, cargo services, and capacity management. Her sheer drive, business acumen and personality enabled her to advance to senior management positions at a time when it was unusual for a woman in business
In 1986, she joined the System One Corporation moving to Miami, Florida where she took on the role as VP for Product Development and eventually rose to Senior VP for Customer Relations and Support Services. In 1995, she joined Phoenix Systems in St. Petersburg, Florida as Vice President of Product Marketing. In her various positions she built on her expertise with automated travel and hospitality reservation systems. Judie was fortunate to travel the world in her career and always enjoyed meeting new people and experiencing different cultures.
Prior to retirement, Judie moved to Sun City Center where she became a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Sun City Center, FL. She was an avid golfer most of her life and after moving to Kings Point she became the chief organizer of many golf competitions at Sceptor Golf Club.
Judie was a diehard fan of college and professional sports – especially football, baseball, basketball and golf. Everyone knew to never call Judie on Sunday afternoon during football season. The Tampa Bay Bucs have lost their #1 fan!
As a lifelong lover and companion of dogs, Judie took a leadership role in the development of the Dog Park at King’s Point and was a Founding Board Member of the Dog Lovers Club.
Judie embraced her role as “favorite aunt” to her many niece and nephews. She was always generous with gifts, trips and fun. On Schafers family vacations, Judie was at the center of organizing games and activities. It was never too late for her to start a high stakes card game!
Finally, Judie provided us all an exemplary role model with how to navigate the challenges of aging and health. Her tremendous willpower was something to behold, but she always remained young at heart.
Surviving are her siblings, Joan Neumarker of Overland Park, KS, Jack Schafers (Matrice) of Ballwin, MO, James Schafers of Manchester, MO; sister in law, Susan Schafers of Creve Coeur, MO and many nieces and nephews, who she considered her adopted children.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jerry Schafers; brother-in-law, Dick Neumarker; and sister-in-law, Gail Schafers.
A funeral mass for Judie has been scheduled for Monday, March 24, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Sun City Center, FL. A visitation will start at 9:00 AM and mass will begin at 10:00 AM. A Celebration of Life luncheon is planned for March 25 starting at 11:30 AM. More details will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer that you make donations in Judie Schafers name to the Dog Lovers Club. The address is 2130 Nantucket Drive, Sun City Center, 33573.
What’s your fondest memory of Judith?
What’s a lesson you learned from Judith?
Share a story where Judith's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Judith you’ll never forget.
How did Judith make you smile?