Emalou Harman Schaffer passed away on October 18, 2020 at the age of 87. She was born in Lynn, Indiana to Evelyne and Cecil Harman. After living her early childhood in Indiana, her family moved to North Carolina where she graduated from New Bern High School with honors and lettered in basketball. Emalou then attended and earned her nursing diploma from North Carolina Baptist Hospital. Following a desire to return to Indiana and work as a pediatric nurse, Emalou began her nursing career at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. While there she met and married Dr. James Schaffer. Together they raised four children: Edith, James Jr., Daniel, and Anne.
Family, faith, and service were her priorities. Emalou enjoyed organizing family gatherings for birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations. She also enjoyed taking vacations with her family. Visiting many of the U.S. lighthouses was a particular favorite travel activity for her. Emalou was a very active member of St Mark's United Methodist Church in Bloomington, Indiana for more than 50 years, contributing her talents in several teaching and administrative roles. She further volunteered her time and energy in support of the Bloomington Hospital Auxiliary. Emalou sponsored and maintained written correspondence with many children for several years through the World Vision Organization. She loved animals and her home was never without a dog or two, always a stray or foster pet adopted by her.
Emalou was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one grandchild, James Benjamin. She is survived by her children, Edith (Greg) Knapp, James Jr. (Claire) Schaffer, Daniel (Julie) Schaffer, and Anne (Richard) Ilvarsonn, her grandchildren, Leslie, Gregory, Jean, Jocelyn, Evan, and Wren, several great-grandchildren, and her sister, Sue Ann Russell.
A private funeral service for the family will be held. In lieu of flowers, Emalou requested persons make a donation to the charity of their choice.