Maryliss W. Shaefer, 69 – Enjoyed Going to Penn State Games

Maryliss W. Shaefer, 69, of Tamaqua, died peacefully on Sunday, April 12, 2020 in Bethlehem after a lengthy illness.

She was the wife of Samuel W. Schaefer to whom she has been married 8 years. Born in Coaldale on April 9, 1951, Maryliss was the daughter of the late John A. and June (nee Delp) Willing.

A 1969 graduate of Tamaqua High School, she worked for a number of places during her lifetime. Her last employment was with Independent Living Services, Tamaqua but prior to that she worked for ICI Americas in Reynolds and several garment factories in the area.

Maryliss was a member of Zion Stone Church, Snyders. She was an avid sports follower who enjoyed going to Penn State games, watching all Philadelphia sports teams, and watching college basketball.

Maryliss also enjoyed reading novels. She had pets throughout the years, all of whom she loved. At present those pets are her blue and gold macaw, Wadda and her dog, Sofie.

Maryliss is survived by her husband, Sam; sons, Bryan Pastucha of Mount Carmel, PA and Matthew Pastucha of Chalfont, PA; stepsons, Christopher Schaefer and his wife Jessica of Tamaqua and Eric Schaefer of North Bonneville, Washington; grandson, Thomas Pastucha of Mount Carmel; step grandchildren, Madeline Schaefer, Olivia Schaefer, and Dustin Duda; and brothers, Gary Willing and his wife, Ruth of Tamaqua and Jack Willing and his wife Nancy of Tamaqua.

In accordance with the governor’s guidelines concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, private interment services will be held at the convenience of the family and a memorial service will be held at a future date.

Memorials in Maryliss’s name may be made to either the Hillside SPCA, 51 SPCA Road, Pottsville, PA 17901 or Zion Stone Church, 45 Cemetery Road, New Ringgold, PA 17960. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are being handled by the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua.