Joann Schafer, 92, formerly of Somersworth, NH, died Monday May 18, 2026 after a period of declining health. She was born on February 2, 1934 in Berwick, Maine, the daughter of George and Pearle (Cochrane) Guptill. She was predeceased by her husband Edward Schafer in 1998, they had been married in 1954.

She was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Rochester, NH and for many years, a prayer warrior for the prayer chain. She also enjoyed being a member of the Somersworth Grange for many years as well as the Somersworth–Berwick Golden Age Club. She had retired after 30 years with Moore Business Forms in Dover, NH.

Joann was also predeceased by her brother Robert Guptill Sr., her daughter Lynn A. Renard, a granddaughter Shannon Holloway and several brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws.

She is survived by a son, Dennis Schafer, grandson Ryan Schafer and his wife Sarah, grandson Devin Schafer and his partner Kristen Warren, granddaughter Allyson Holloway and her husband Sean Purvis, 8 great-grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew, Dylan, Mira, Katherine, Corwin, Pepper and Ava and cousins Judy Hayes and Lena Goodhue. She was very close with her sister-in-law Rosemary Guptill and her family and also had a good friend in Linda Burk.

She truly enjoyed time with her family and was especially happy when she was with the younger generations such as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be missed by many.

Calling hours and service will be at R.M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home in Rochester Saturday, May 30 from 10am to noon with the service immediately following. Interment will follow at Rochester Cemetery on Franklin Street and a reception after that at First United Methodist Church, 34 South Main Street, Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Joann's memory to the First United Methodist Church Steeple Restoration Project or the charity of your choice.