(Alton, NH)

Barbara Lois (Gedney) Schaeffner fell asleep in Christ on Sunday October 11, 2015, following an extended illness.

A beloved family member and precious servant of Jesus, she is survived by her husband of 57 years, Dale, three children, Cynthia (Glenn) Rice of Oxford, MA, Carolyn Schaeffner of Alton, NH, and David Schaeffner of Arlington, MA, four grandsons, Joshua (Sarah), Andrew (Carrie), Matthew Rice, and Nathaniel Schaeffner, and five great-grandchildren, Jadon, Lily, Madelyn, Gavyn, and Josiah. Her extended family includes three siblings; Robert (Diane) Gedney, Priscilla (Clinton) Taber, and Cynthia (Charles) Bostock, and many nieces and nephews by blood and by love. She was predeceased by a brother, Donald (Priscilla) Gedney.

Born in West Hollywood, California, on December 17, 1931, Barbara was the daughter of the late Dr. Edwin K. Gedney, longtime professor at Gordon College (Wenham, MA), and Dorris C. Gedney.

She had an accomplished career as a Registered nurse, working at the Kingston, NY hospital, the New England Memorial Hospital in Stoneham, MA and at Symmes Hospital in Arlington, MA, where she was the Night Supervisor for many years. She was recognized in the Who’s Who in American Nursing (1988-89 edition) by The Society of Nursing Professionals. Her tireless efforts and selfless care endeared her to patients and professionals alike, and contributed to a fruitful career in caring for those in need.

A graduate of New England School of Theology, Barbara cared most about her Savior Jesus Christ. She was active in the work of the Gospel, serving in local church ministry and missions work through her denomination, the Advent Christian Church. Barbara was past President of the Eastern Region Woman’s Home and Foreign Mission Society (WHFMS), a position she held for 18 years, was a member of the national WHFMS Board in Charlotte, NC, the Eastern Regional Association, and the Vernon Advent Christian Homes, Inc.

In her work in Christian missions Barbara traveled to Mexico with her family in 1970 and visited Japan in 1998 at the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Advent Christian Church in Japan, returning to the country where her parents conducted mission work during their retirement years. She represented the cause of Christian missions in many local churches and worked tirelessly to promote efforts for the work of the gospel locally and around the world.

Locally, she was known as “Auntie Barb” to many children – family and friends alike. She was camp nurse for over 20 years at Camp Advenchur in Alton, Bay, NH. Barbara invested significantly in the spiritual formation of children and made an eternal impact on countless children across New England, pointing them to Jesus by her example and through her teaching.

An accomplished soloist, Barbara’s soprano voice could be heard at Campmeetings, conferences and local churches throughout New Hampshire and beyond. She was a gifted pianist, playing for church services, at conferences, and in other settings where her help was needed. Barbara was a member of the Somerville and Melrose, Massachusetts Advent Christian Churches, and at Alton Bay, NH. She was a lifelong participant in the ministry of the Alton Bay Campmeeting Association in Alton Bay, N.H.

She has devotedly served her Savior throughout her lifetime, keeping the faith and finishing her race. Now she awaits the trumpet call at the soon-coming of her Savior, when she shall hear the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday October 17, 2015, 11:00AM at the Emmanuel Advent Christian Church, Family Life Center, 34 Eastern Ave., Rochester, NH. Burial is private and will be held at a later time. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to Advent Christian General Conference – World Outreach, PO Box 690848, Charlotte, NC 28227, or the Central NH VNA and Hospice, P.O. Box1620, 03894, Wolfeboro, NH 03894.