In Loving Memory ~
October 1, 1939 – February 11, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Daisy May Schaefer (86) on February 11, 2026. Daisy passed away peacefully with her daughter Karen and son-in-law Gerald at her side after a hard-fought battle with cancer in hospice at Yucalta Lodge.
Daisy was the second youngest of eleven siblings born to George and Myrtle Collins (nee Enever) in Caterham Surrey England on October 1, 1939. She immigrated to Canada in September 1948 with bothher parents and youngest brother John. They crossed the Atlantic on the RMS Aquitania and upon landing in Halifax Nova Scotia, the family moved and settled in the small town of Callander near North Bay Ontario.
After completing school, she moved to the Niagara Falls area where she met; then married Wayne Richard Savage and together, they had three children: Sharon, Richard and Karen. During the early 60’s, Daisy moved from Ontario to Vancouver Island and found employment in Port Alberni as a bartender at the Arlington Hotel (16 years). In 1977 she married Kim Schaefer and they enjoyed 32 years together until his passing in Campbell River BC in September 2009.
Daisy is pre-deceased by her parents: George Collins 1953 and Myrtle Collins 1976, daughter: Sharon Montague 1987, husband: Kim Schaefer 2009 and nine of her ten siblings. Survived and deeply missed by her son: Richard Savage (Jeanette), daughter: Karen Haase (Gerald); grandchildren: Brad Leblanc, Gord Montague, Carson Savage, Carly Spurek, Orlena Friis-Mollins and Shawna Wale: great grandchildren: Kamryn Mollins, Jason Mollins, Lenaya Mollins, Jayden Wale, Keegan Taylor, Gord Montague, Bryce Montague, Vada Spurek and Charlotte Spurek; brother: John Collins; also many nieces and nephews.
Until we meet again, Daisy May will always be loved and remembered as a strong woman with a big heart and beautiful smile who loved and cherished her family very much. She also had a great fondness for dogs, especially her beloved standard poodles Sasha and Chelsea who were often seen together walking along the Campbell River spit.
A special thank you to all her friends and neighbors during the past 20 years at the Thunderbird Campground who were always there for her and the wonderful staff and hardworking care aids in hospice at the Yucalta Lodge who showed so much love and genuine compassion; always providing the necessary care and comfort during her 2-month stay. God bless you all.
A celebration of life will be held sometime this summer. An exact date to be announced at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Daisy’s memory at the Campbell River Hospital Foundation for Yucalta Lodge hospice.
