Sadly, the community stalwart died this week after a brief period of failing health.

She would have been 90 next month.

Ms Schaefer had her busy hands in everything from the local CWA and Red Cross to the council and church committee.

However, she will likely be best remembered for her decades of commitment to the show circuit, both Cobargo’s and Sydney.

As well as a life-long association with the annual Cobargo event, for almost 55 years she was a driving force behind the Southern District’s produce display at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Former Cobargo Show Society president and current senior vice-president Kevin Allen had nothing but admiration and praise for “a true champion”.

“We would never have had the facilities we do at the showground if it wasn’t for Beryl,” Mr Allen said.

“She was a wonderful, wonderful lady.

“She pushed for everything in Cobargo for over 60 years.

“Beryl was a true champion - a Phar Lap and Bradman.”

Mr Allen said Ms Schaefer retains the record as the longest-serving president of the Cobargo Show Society - 10 years in the role.

Mr Allen approached that milestone himself, but said he stood down after nine so she would keep the “deserved” honour.

Another honour bestowed on Ms Schaefer was life membership of the society and one of her happiest moments was being invited to open the 2013 Cobargo Show.

“Two years ago when she opened the show, she said she had had dinners with governor-generals, saw Prince Charles at the show, but that it was the greatest honour to be invited back to open the Cobargo Show,” Mr Allen said.

“She was a true statesman our girl Beryl.

“She will be sadly missed.”

Nicole Bryce, senior manager of agriculture at the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), said Ms Schaefer was a passionate member of the Sydney Royal Easter Show family and will be forever cherished, particularly around the district exhibits.

“Beryl Schaefer provided excellent service to the show movement, throughout regional NSW as well as being part of the Sydney Royal Easter Show since 1962,” Ms Bryce said.

“Beryl was appointed court manager of Southern Districts in 1984 and marked 25 years in the position.

“She was a great competitor who loved to talk about the finer details of the district exhibits, and was always a very popular figure within the courts.

 “Beryl thoroughly enjoyed the show and often remarked she ‘loved every minute’ of her involvement,” Ms Bryce said.

Beryl Schaefer is survived by her children Wayne and Gail and their partners Helen and Murray, and granddaughters Hannah and Leah.

BERYL Schaefer’s beloved Cobargo Showground will be the site for a big celebration of her life.

Following a funeral service on Monday, September 7, Ms Schaefer’s family is inviting the community to join them at the showground from around 1pm for “a big cup of tea and some ripping yarns”.

“We’re inviting anyone to come along and sit in the places she loved the most and we will do our darndest to give her a jolly good send-off,” daughter Gail Schaefer said.

“Anyone with a connection with her or little endearments to share – there were so many things she was associated with.

“And she would love that.

“She will be going, ‘yep, everything’s in order. Let’s all have an egg sandwich and a cup of tea.’”