Dorothea R. Schaffer

Dorothea Ruth Schaffer, 95, formerly of Bethesda, Maryland and more recently of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at The Glen at Willow Valley Communities on October 10, 2024 after a brief illness. She was the loving wife of the late Leslie Schaffer, M.D. who preceded her in death. 

Born in Heilbronn, Germany, Dorothea was the daughter of the late Walther Karl Kurt Apelt and Johanna Maria (Sommer) Apelt. Following high school, Dorothea worked for Shell Germany before setting her sights on opportunities in America. Her early work experience included Western Newell in Illinois and Capital Airlines in Washington, D.C. When Dorothea was offered an opportunity to return home to Germany, she opted instead to stay. It was soon thereafter, in Washington, D.C., that she met and married the love of her life, Leslie Schaffer, originally from London, England. Leslie and Dorothea were avid travelers for many years, returning to Europe and exploring the U.S. on their vacations.  

Dorothea was active throughout her life and enjoyed many hobbies and interests. She was an enthusiastic dressage equestrian for much of her adult life as well as a dedicated swimmer at the Bethesda YMCA. She was an excellent cook, leaning on her native German cooking and baking traditions while also embracing the more formal techniques of modern French cuisine. Leslie and Dorothea loved to entertain and regularly hosted friends and family in their home of 33 years in Bethesda, Maryland. Dorothea was an avid gardener and, at the end of the day, she and Leslie routinely enjoyed a stroll through the garden.

Dorothea lived independently up until just prior to her passing. She enjoyed playing bridge, reading, going for walks, watching golf on TV, and meeting up with friends for a cocktail. At her request, no service will be held. 

Dorothea is survived by her daughters, Victoria Carla Barrow and Jessica Schaffer Walton (wife of the late Robert Norman Walton), grandson Leslie Warren Barrow, great niece Ria Nicole McCurdy Manalac (Alto Isabello Virgo Manalac), great nephew Brett Andrew McCurdy (Xiomara Ayala McCurdy) and great-great niece Emma Valentina McCurdy. In addition to her late husband and parents, Dorothea was predeceased by her sister Margot Sybille Apelt and her niece Julia Sylviane McCurdy.