Mrs. Linda Jane Schaffer

September 16, 1948 – July 25, 2025

Linda Jane (Lawton) Schaffer, 76, formerly of Zicha Road, Howes Cave NY passed away Saturday, July 25 at her new home in Valley Head, Alabama where she moved to three summers ago, with her family at her side.

Linda was born September 16, 1948 in Cobleskill, NY, a daughter of Charles and Anna (Osterholm) Lawton. She attended the former Cobleskill High School and graduated in 1967. Linda worked for the former Interkinitting Mill in Cobleskill from 1979 until its closing in 2002. Previously she worked for NYS Department of Labor as a clerk and also the Unemployment Department.

Linda married Floyd Lewis Schaffer on June 5, 1972. He predeceased her on April 3, 2004. Survivors include: her son Michael S. Schaffer (Michele) of Howes Cave and her daughter Michele H. Schaffer-Cole (Dennis) of Alabama. Linda has two stepchildren Larry Schaffer (Barbara) and Paula (Wally) Bever, both of Cobleskill. She also had two bonus daughters Dawn (Philip) Skowfoe III of West Fulton and Phynetta Slavinski of Warwick. Linda has many siblings that she was able to spend time with over the past couple of years. Andrew (Louise) Lawton of Florida, Dick, Fred, Jesse, Jerry, and Tom Lawton all of Alabama. She was predeceased by her siblings: Hilda Marquardt, Fay Fitch and Wayne, Willy and Stanley Lawton.

What made Linda smile the most was spending time with her grandchildren: Michael L. Schaffer, Mellen Simon, Emily, Olivia, and Isabel (who predeceased her in 2020) Skowfoe. They would have sleepovers with grandma every chance they got.

The last two years Dustin Aurillo, Linda’s grand-nephew and friend, would go on many shopping and thrifting outings together. She would look forward to their days together. They were patient with each other, which made their bond strong.

Lastly, Linda had Noel, her faithful pup who never left her side and Topaz her rescue kitty. All that knew Linda, knew her love for animals. She would always give a home to a stray that made its way to her.

Linda was a strong, independent and caring woman. She had many physical challenges and health problems over the years but that didn’t stop her from running her own household. Linda loved a daily piece of triple chocolate cake with a glass of milk, watching TV, and watching the birds play in her fountain. She will truly be missed.