Darleen A Schafer-Striker

Darleen A. Schafer-Striker, born on January 3, 1947, in Staten Island, New York, passed away on April 30, 2026, at Arbor Terrace in Middletown, New Jersey, surrounded by her family and the love and memories of a life well lived. She was a devoted Christian, a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose warmth, humor, and kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Darleen grew up in Garwood, where she met the love of her life, Richard Schafer.  They were married in 1964 and moved to Cliffwood Beach, where they raised their family.  It was later in her life that she moved to Hazlet, New Jersey.

Darleen was predeceased by her parents, William Jr. and Doris (Charette) Trudeau, her loving first husband and father to her daughters, Richard Schafer, and her later in her life, her second husband, Richard Striker. Though she experienced profound loss in her lifetime, she carried herself with strength, grace, and resilience, always placing family and others before herself. Her life was a testament to devotion, perseverance, and the quiet dignity with which she met each season of life.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Debra Moore and her husband Stan of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Keri Williams and her husband Rafael of Hazlet, New Jersey. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Jeremy Schafer, Savannah Williams, Alexander Moore, Rebecca Whitehead and her husband Sean, and Jesse Butts, as well as her adored great-grandchild, Sawyer Whitehead. Darleen is also survived by her caring sisters, Patricia Carole, Joan Collins and her husband Wayne, and Janet Morgan and her husband Butch. In addition, she is remembered fondly by her “forever” friends from her younger years, Connie, Pat, Judy, and Joan, who lovingly called her “Trudy.” These treasured relationships were among the greatest joys of her life.

Darleen was an extremely dedicated retired Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, known for her work with MICA, serving mentally ill chemical abusers with compassion and commitment. Throughout her career, she worked in various places, and she later retired from, New Hope Foundation in Marlboro, New Jersey. Her work was more than a profession, as it was a calling that reflected her deep belief in the possibility of healing, recovery, and renewal. She will be remembered for her passion for helping those struggling with mental illness and chemical dependency, and for her hope that they could be rehabilitated and welcomed back into the community with dignity and support.

Outside of her professional life, Darleen found great joy in crafting, especially crocheting. She took pride in making hats and blankets for newborn babies, creating with her hands and heart in equal measure. She was also happiest when spending time with her family, and those moments were among the most meaningful of her life. Darleen was truly a people person and a social butterfly, someone who could light up a room with her presence. Her personality was often described as funny, loving, and very hard working, and those qualities made her deeply cherished by all who knew her.

Darleen’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, who will forever remember her laughter, her compassion, and her unwavering love. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and devotion that will continue to inspire those who were blessed to share in her life. She will be greatly missed, always loved, and never forgotten

In lieu of flowers donations to, www.cancer.org in loving memory of Darleen would be greatly appreciated.  Family and friends are invited to visit on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and on Thursday morning, May 7, 2026, from 10:15 AM until 11:00 AM. at Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 3269 State Highway/Route 35 North, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730. A funeral service will be offered at the funeral home at 10:30 AM on Thursday morning.   Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, 1100 E. Broad Street, Westfield, New Jersey  07090.  For more information, directions or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.shorepointfh.com.

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