Phyllis (Schafer) Cady, 73, passed away on March 17, 2023, in Apache Junction, Arizona. Phyllis was a mother, a grandmother, a talented musician, a two-time cancer survivor and a beloved nurse.
Born on October 7, 1949, in Red Wing, MN, she grew up in Mazeppa, MN, with her parents J Gilbert and Doris (Atkinson) Schafer, and her two sisters. When she graduated from Mazeppa High School in 1967, she had dreams of joining the Peace Corps. She instead went on to attend Rochester Junior College, where she met her future husband. She then went to Mankato State College and Brown Institute, ultimately earning a degree as Radio Operator, First Class.
On June 13, 1970, she married James Michael Cady at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mazeppa, MN. After moving to Red Wing, MN, she worked a variety of jobs before starting a family. In 1975 she gave birth to a daughter who died in infancy due to a heart condition. Afraid to risk another infant loss, they adopted a daughter, which was followed by Phyllis then giving birth to a second daughter and a son.
Managing three kids and a household required a lot of dedication and yet as her children reached their teens, Phyllis sought a new challenge and returned to college to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing from Rochester Community College in 1995. She worked as a nurse in several hospitals in Zumbrota and Red Wing before retiring in 2017. She survived breast cancer in her 40s due to a well-timed mammogram and colon cancer in her 60s.
In February 2018, she moved to Apache Junction, Arizona, to enjoy the dry desert air and, among other things, peruse the wares at the Mesa Flea Market. Throughout her life she remained a talented singer, pianist, and organist, playing at church, weddings, and funerals. She was also a talented typist, computer operator, radio operator and was skilled at remembering names, dates, and faces.
Survived by her spouse James (Jim) Michael (Mike) Cady of Apache Junction, AZ; daughters Jennifer Berggren of Apache Junction, AZ, and Emily (Simon) Stauffer of Pfaeffikon, Switzerland; son Matthew of Saint Paul, MN; as well as her 6 grandchildren: Nick, Avery, Lauren, Athena, Layla, and Louis. In addition, she is also survived by her sisters Janet Sibley of Stewartville, MN, and Carol (Duane) Hofschulte of Mazeppa, MN; her brothers-in-law Patrick (Patty) Cady of Maple Plain, MN, and Timothy Cady of Buffalo, MN; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her beloved infant daughter, Holly Ann; her brother-in-law Richard Sibley; and sister-in-law Mary Cady.
While she loved her living children, she longed for the day she could reunite with her firstborn, Holly Ann, who died only 5 days after birth.
Mom now paints rainbows in the skies to remind her grandkids that she’s watching over us all.
A funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 am on March 30, 2023, at St. George’s Catholic Church in Apache Junction, AZ. A celebration of life service will be held in the summer of 2024 in Minnesota.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to SHARE Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support (nationalshare.org) or towards breast cancer research.
So sorry for your loss, our prayers are with you all
Your mom was our best friend and will always be remembered for her kindness, fire-side chats, food truck Thursdays, and puppy rides and treats??
So sorry to hear of Phyllis’ death. She was such a good friend to me and Katie when we were your neighbors. A very special and beloved person!
We’re very sorry for your loss. She will always be watching down on you and your family.
So sorry to hear of Phyllis ‘s passing. I worked the night shift with her at the hospital in Red Wing and knew her ery well. May she rest in peace.
We are sorry for your loss. Our prayers go out to you and your family. Stay strong. God only tests us to make us stronger. Hope to see you this fall!
Dick & Barb
Your mom was the sweetest lady. I had only met her a few times and the words of encouragement she gave me made me smile. I’m going to miss her and the posts she shared me with on Facebook. Prayers for your family! ?❤️?
I’m so sorry for your loss! My heart is with you Jenny, Emily and Matt. Your Mom was a wonderful person. I know how it feels to lose someone so important in your life. Prayers with you at this hard and difficult time.
Jessica, Camryn and Logan Richards