Florence Kelly Schaefer

Florence Kelly Schaefer of Bethel Park formerly of West Homestead at the age of 90 surrounded by her family on February 8, 2025 passed into Eternity. Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years Wayne Kelly and husband Donald Schaefer. She is survived by her children Wayne, Jr. (Ann), Michael (Lisa), Mary Beth Gasior (Bob), Terry (GiGi), Chris (Kim Kyle) Dennis, Ann Carr (Tom), Brian (Caryn), Daughter-in Law, Randi Kelly. Flo also is survived by 25 grandchildren, 26 great-children and several dear nieces and nephews.

Her sister Carol Primm, sisters-in-law Mary B Gentille and Phyllis Krolicky. Flo’s parents Tom and Ann (nee Lis) Krolicky, sister Rita Sinclair and brother Tom Krolicky and great-grandson Anthony Merced preceded her in death. 

Born on March 23,1934 Flo grew up in Pittsburgh’s Greenfield section of the city. She attended St. Rosalia’s for her elementary and high school education. She was offered a full scholarship to Duquesne University. Her days were filled with the fun and antics with her neighbor and friend Dorothy Pelles Tuite. Flo, a gifted dancer, 

was asked at the age of 15 to dance professionally in New York. Her mother, however, would not allow that. Instead, after graduating, Flo worked for Prudential Insurance and married Wayne Kelly. 

They raised eight children in their West Homestead home. Flo welcomed her children’s friends and cousins into their home. Weekends and summers brought a steady flow of sleep overs. Even when resources were limited, Flo never turned these young guests away. She had a way of stretching the meals so that everyone was satisfied.

She enjoyed decorating her home, volunteering with her church, shopping, politics and throwing wonderful family parties. 

With all the activity in her household came many stories and Flo could tell the stories, sometimes incredulous, to co-workers and friends. 

For a time she worked at Shuman Center until Duquesne University called her to answer phones at their Physical Plant. Flo worked her way up to Housekeeping Supervisor until she retired from Duquesne to take care of her ailing mom. She then went on to become Manager of Housekeeping Services at the University of Pittsburgh until she retired at 80. She loved her time at both universities. 

She made many friends and enjoyed going out to lunch.

Flo was known for her classic style, her grace on the dance floor, her generosity, hospitality and her kooky sense of humor. She seemed to always enlist a ‘partner in crime’ for her crazy stunts. The stories are endless. She certainly made her mark throughout her 90 years. 

After 60 years of a wonderful marriage, Wayne passed. A childhood friendship was rekindled in 2017 and she married Donnie Schaefer at the age of 84. They built a home in Bethel Park. 

Her legacy is her faith in Christ and her ability to love and forgive and receive forgiveness. She will be dearly missed. 

Our thanks to her Bridges Hospice team and all those who helped care for Flo. In lieu of flowers donations in her name can be made to:

holyprotectionshrine.org

Holy Protection Shrine

P.O. Box 761

Carnegie, PA 15106

or

Bridges Hospice

bridgeshospice.org

Friends will be received Tuesday from 2-8 p.p in the Edward P. Kanai Funeral Home, 500 Greenfield Ave. 15207. Funeral Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in the Funeral Home followed by a Funeral Mass at10 a.m. in St. Paul Cathedral Parish--St. Rosalia Worship Site. 

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