Margaret M. (Friel) Schaeffer

Margaret M. (Friel) Schaeffer, 60, of Birdsboro, PA, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at home surrounded by her loving family. Born in Camden, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Edward J. and the late Margaret K. (McGinnis) Friel. She was married to Ronald T. Schaeffer.

Margaret grew up in Deptford Twp., NJ and graduated from Deptford High School in 1984. Margaret worked as a Veterinary Assistant for many years in NJ and then for Gilbertsville Animal Hospital. After having her children, Daniel and Amanda, she stayed home to raise them. She later went back to school to work in the medical field. She worked as a medical assistant in orthopedics, and later in pulmonology for Penn Medicine for many years.

Margaret is best known for her incredible sense of humor; of which she never lost throughout her entire battle with cancer – and her profound love for her family. She cared deeply for her husband Ron, who was a sense of constant support and safety in her final moments. Margaret loved her children and would tell anyone who would listen the things they accomplished and champion them throughout every endeavor. She was also a devoted friend and cherished all her friendships, never taking any moment for granted.

She had a soft spot for animals, enjoying horseback riding and caring for and adopting many different household pets over the years. When Margaret had free time, she deeply enjoyed watching musicals with her daughter; taking beach trips with her husband and watching Ohio State football games with her son. She was an avid lover of the holiday season and never thought it was too early to start thinking about Christmas. She was incredibly tough and will be remembered by the way she lived every day with a smile, and for the grace and strength with which she battled cancer.

In addition to her husband, Ronald, she is survived by her son: Daniel R. Schaeffer; daughter: Amanda M. Schaeffer; siblings: Judy Ayres (Elmer), Rev. Ed Friel, Ilene Fried, Steve Friel (Regina), Sean Friel, and Mickey and Becky Schaeffer; and mother-in-law: Linda Schaeffer, widow of Gary, as well as her four nephews and three nieces.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 11:00am at Immaculate Conception BVM RC Church, 905 Chestnut St. Douglassville, PA 19518. A viewing will be from 9:00am-10:30am at the church prior to mass. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, or the Animal Rescue League of Berks County.

Dengler-Sowers Funeral Home & Crematory, LLC. Birdsboro, PA is in charge of arrangements.