Pauline Schaffer

Written by her daughter Kasey Jackson

My mom, Pauline Schaffer, has been an inspiration to me. She came to the US from England as a new bride in 1964. When my sister and I were born, she made a home for our family and supported my dad in his career. Coming from the United Kingdom, she had some rough early years in small town Ohio. When my dad got a job in Chicago and we moved here, it was a blessing.

She and my dad moved to Beverly, in Chicago, and she still lives in the house we were raised in. My mom is a strong woman, she left her family and country, came to America, worked hard to assimilate, and then developed rheumatoid arthritis in her mid-thirties; this is a pain I will never know. My mom still lives on her own at 83.
Knowing what it is like to raise a family, the struggles, and the joys, I am amazed by her commitment and resolve. She showed me and my sister what it is to love unconditionally. She instilled a pride in both of us that will not diminish. She never wanted us to see her as “less than” from her arthritis.

My parents sacrificed to send me and my sister to Ignatius. They could not have known that decision would be the beginning of a legacy of Jesuit education enjoyed by my son and my nephews, and hopefully my daughter. I want my mom to know that I so very much admire her and the life that she has built. I am so, so grateful for the life and love she gave me and all the new members of her family. She is our rock.

Mom, I love you with my whole heart and thank you for everything.