Joan Germer Schaefer

Joan Germer Schaefer, age 81, passed away peacefully in her home on March 11, 2021. She was born May 26, 1939 in Long Beach, California to Theodore and Leona Germer. She married her life long best friend and love, Philip Frederick Schaefer on April 13, 1963. She survived her sister Barbara Heagy.

Joan attended Eastern High School and received her Bachelors in English from the Towson Teacher’s College at Towson State University in 1961. She was an active member of the Martin Luther Lutheran Church. She taught 7th grade English until she opened her own school in 1974, Long Bar Harbor Montessori School, in Abingdon, Maryland. All while teaching, Joan and Phil married and built their business, Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, into what it is today. Joan had a love for shaping the minds of young children through teaching.

Joan rarely sat still. She believed there was always work or a job to be done. She always had a long list and took pride in every job she tackled no matter how big or small. She continually loved to step back from a completed task and admire the “finished product.”

She was an eternal optimist and her positivity radiated to everyone around her. Her life was a living example of how hard work goes a long way and how you can create an amazing life if you chase your dreams and get your hands a little dirty along the way. Her family referred to her as the matriarch and glue of the family. Joan had a quick line or witty quote for every situation. Her positive energy made her the type of person that people gravitated toward and always wanted to be around.

She treasured spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved history, gardening, reading, writing & travelling. She loved having her house full of family and having everyone together no matter the occasion. One of her favorite things was to vacation with her family and grandchildren to their favorite spot in the Caribbean, St. John US Virgin Islands. She loved being able to share the experience of seeing the clear blue waters, white sand beaches, and tropical rainforest with her family. She and Phil shared a favorite beach, Francis Bay, on St. John.

Joan is survived by her husband Phil, sister-in-law Sue and husband Robert, her two children Craig and Elyse and husband Paul; grandchildren Carolyn and husband Alex, Haleigh, Mason, Emma, Cooper, and Whitley; plus 2 great grandchildren Nora and George. All of those she loved and touched deeply.

Memorial Services will be held privately.