Laurie Lynn Schaaf

Laurie Lynn Schaaf, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, educator, and friend, entered eternal rest on September 14, 2026, at the age of 70.

Born on November 8, 1955, in St. Louis, Missouri, Laurie spent her early years in North St. Louis County before moving with her family to Old Farm Estates in Creve Coeur, near the intersection of present-day Highway 141 and Olive Boulevard. She carried a deep love for family, community, and life itself that would remain a defining characteristic throughout her years.

Laurie graduated from Parkway North High School in 1974 and went on to attend Central Methodist College in Fayette, Missouri, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1979. Her dedication to learning and helping others later led her to earn a Master's Plus Degree in Education from Missouri Baptist University.

A lifelong educator, Laurie began her career through student teaching and substitute teaching before serving at Father Dunne's News Boys' Home and Protectorate and St. Francis of Assisi School. She devoted much of her professional life to serving children with special needs through the Rockwood School District, where she worked in physical education. She concluded her educational career in the Meramec Valley School District as a teacher's assistant. Her passion for helping children learn, grow, and succeed left a lasting impact on countless students and families.

Laurie was married to John J. Brady in 1982, and together they welcomed their son, Boone J. Brady in 1984. In 1995, she married Jeffrey Allen Dailey, and together they welcomed their son, Lukas G. Dailey that same year. Beyond her own children, Laurie embraced the blessings of a large and loving family.

She is survived by her children, Boone and Cassandra Brady, Luke and Elyse Dailey, Mike and Ashley Dailey, Ben Dailey, and Jill Dailey; her cherished grandchildren, Georgia and John Brady, Aspen and Demi Dailey, and Finn and Declan Dailey; her siblings, John and Stephanie Schaaf, Lisa and David Weichers, Cynthia Schaaf, and Fred Schaaf; her nieces and nephews, Catherine Schaaf, Ashley Schaaf, Julie Schaaf, Jessica Weichers, Eric Weichers, Jason Michaels, Kristen Woelfel, Gavin Schaaf, Ben Schaaf, Jack Schaaf, Sam Schaaf and many other extended family members and friends. She is also survived by her former husbands, John J. Brady and Jeffrey Allen Dailey.

Laurie was preceded in death by her parents, George Edward Schaaf and Lois Caroline Shaw.

Before raising five children, an accomplishment she considered one of her life's greatest blessings, Laurie excelled in softball, field hockey, music, and art. She possessed boundless energy, creativity, and enthusiasm that she carried into every aspect of her life.

A devoted member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Laurie remained active in her faith community and maintained strong connections with alumni organizations from Parkway North High School and Central Methodist University.

Laurie's greatest joy came from spending time with family and friends. She adored her grandchildren and delighted in every opportunity to support, celebrate, and spoil them. Her hobbies included walking her beloved dog Misty, listening to live music, attending concerts, organizing gatherings, swimming, camping, floating Missouri rivers, volunteering at church and local soup kitchens, and creating cherished memories with those she loved.

She often shared simple but meaningful advice:

"Take the trip. Visit the friend. Call the loved one. Stay the extra moment. Live in the present. Cherish the past. Learn from your mistakes. Treat others, no matter who they are, with dignity and respect."

Friends and family will also fondly remember her colorful expressions, including, "Boy, if you had a brain, you'd be dangerous," "You'd drive a wooden man nuts," and "I don't give a hill of beans."

Laurie will be remembered most for her vibrant personality, infectious smile, unmistakable laugh, and the extraordinary way she loved others. She loved fiercely, generously, and without judgment. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her world, and she never hesitated to put their needs before her own.

Those who knew Laurie will remember her spontaneity, adventurous spirit, strength, determination, and unmistakable Schaaf stubbornness. They will remember her love of music and nature, her bright and colorful style, her generosity, her faith in God, and her enduring commitment to family and friendship. Above all, they will remember a woman who embraced life fully and encouraged others to do the same.

Though Laurie will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched, the family she cherished, and the love she shared so freely.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Services: A visitation will be held at SCHRADER Funeral Home- Eureka, 108 North Central Avenue at 1st Street, Eureka, Missouri, 63025 Sunday September 27, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 3:00 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Eureka. Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.