Mark J. Schaffield, M.D., age 74 of Anderson Twp., died July 18, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Sharon Schaffield (nee Brokamp), devoted father of Annamarie (Alex) Rinehart and Nick Schaffield, loving brother of Elizabeth (Chris) Penn, Lynne (Dan) Scully, and Jayne (Charlie) Woodman, and dear uncle of Christopher Penn, Shannon Bozarth, and Dan Scully.
Mark Schaffield was a man who achieved something universally desired, but rarely attained--peace. He often remarked that everyone was searching for peace, but unlike many, he recognized that peace could not be found amongst possessions, but only by caring for others, finding joy in life’s small pleasures, and by growing closer to God.
Over the course of his medical career, Mark worked as a pediatrician, Emergency Room doctor, and physician for the imprisoned. His unhurried manner ensured that he could get to know his patients, and he found great fulfillment in spending time with them and ensuring that they received the care that they deserved.
Outside of work, Mark found great joy in spending time with his family and attending to life’s everyday problems. Yard work--commonly seen as a burden--was a favorite pastime of his, and his yard never failed to be immaculate. He always had a project underway somewhere around the house, and he took particular interest in working on old vehicles. He was a loving father and husband, and took every opportunity to spend time with his children.
Mark’s great sense of peace permitted him to be extraordinarily selfless with his time. Everyone who knew Mark remarked that he had a great sense of calm, even in the face of otherwise trying situations. In the midst of a difficulty--big or small--Mark was the first one whom one would call. Whenever someone needed help or wanted to talk, he would drop what he was doing or rearrange his schedule to ensure that he could be there.
Throughout his life, Mark made a point of serving those around him. He made repeated mission trips to Haiti and also served as a physician in Ecuador. In retirement, he volunteered at the Rose Garden Home Mission in Covington, KY and attended mass daily. His generosity was not confined to service-related events, but pervaded every aspect of his life. No matter where he went, he would stop and talk to those whom others would pass without a second thought. Every week, he would set out doughnuts for the men who collected our trash, and the last person to speak to him was an employee of the sportsman’s club, with whom he spoke for twenty minutes. He always found something interesting in those he met, and he never failed to make those around him feel valued.
Mark Schaffield will be greatly missed--one could not ask for a better father or husband--but we have great hope that he is now enjoying the same peace that he so clearly possessed on earth, but at an unfathomably greater pitch.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Guardian Angels Church on Wednesday, July 26th at 10:30 am. Friends may visit at the church on Wednesday from 9 to 10:30 am. If desired, memorials may be directed to Rose Garden Home Mission,
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