Obituary of Dr. Deborah L. Schafer

NOTE: CALLING HOURS ARE FRIDAY JANUARY 6 FROM 4-7PM Wayland – Dr. Deborah L. Schafer, 59 years of age, passed away Sunday January 1, 2023 at her home in Wayland. Debbie was born September 23, 1963 in Jamestown, NY, daughter of Judith Carson Schafer and Barry W. Schafer. Debbie grew up in Erie, PA and then their family moved to Findley Lake, NY. She was a 1981 graduate of Clymer Central School. Debbie’s collegiate educational accolades are revered. She earned her Biology Degree from Colgate University, achieving Magna Cum Laude and membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She then attended Case Western Reserve Dental School earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree in 1989; attaining the Award of Achievement for Scholastic Attainment and membership in the Omicron Upsilon Honor Society. She then achieved her Master of Science and Orthodontic Certificate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1992. After graduating from UNC, Debbie worked as an Assistant Orthodontist in Canandaigua for two years. In 1994, she opened her own practice, Deborah L. Schafer, D.D.S., M.S. Orthodontics in Wayland. For over 28 years she served the local communities and thousands of patients and their families with her care. She devoted herself to her practice. She cared deeply about her patients beyond the office walls, always taking an interest in their school and community involvements. Her kind, caring, hardworking, and dedicated demeanor earned her a reputation second to none. Her generosity was one of her greatest gifts, always giving back to organizations in the community. Debbie was a sports enthusiast, from little league to professional sports. She loved the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Buffalo Bills. Debbie loved to be outdoors. Most recently Debbie and her son, Gavin, purchased land in Prattsburgh and developed it into their camp. Debbie and Gavin spent countless hours at camp, taking rides on the side-by-side, working in the garden, enjoying the peaceful sceneries, and time with each other. Debbie was a humble and successful business owner; devoted and loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Her loving heart, generous spirit, and kindness will create a large void for all that she knew. Her family, friends and those that have been fortunate to be in her life, will need to find a way to heal. Dr. Schafer would have wanted all of us to continue to celebrate her life, to pursue our passions and find joy. Debbie was predeceased by her father, Barry W. Schafer. She is survived by her son Gavin Burke of Wayland; her mother, Judith Carson Schafer of Wayland; her sisters, Beki Kaye of Geneseo and Katie Schafer of Wayland; her nieces and nephew, Carson Mohler (Patrick McMullin) of Fort Wayne, IN, Elizabeth Kaye of Denver, CO and Daniel Kaye of Geneseo; along with many extended family members. Debbie’s family and friends may call Friday, January 6th from 4-7pm at St. George-Forsythe Funeral Home, 109 West Naples St., Wayland. Debbie’s funeral service will be private. Contributions in memory of Dr. Deborah L. Schafer may be made to the Wayland Fire Department, 14 East Naples St., Wayland, NY 14572 or a local sports program or sports boosters in your community.