Barbara E. Shaffer, 87

April 22, 2015

Barbara E. Shaffer, 87, of Brethren Village, Lancaster, PA, went home to her Lord Jesus Christ on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 after a lengthy illness. She was the widow of Blair V. Shaffer, Jr. with whom she had celebrated 64 years of marriage prior to his passing in December 2010.
She was born in Wilkinsburg, PA in 1928, the daughter of the late Percy D. and M. Kathryn Smith. She grew up in Dubois, PA and moved with her family to Lancaster in 1962.
Barb was a longtime member of Highland Presbyterian Church, where she had been a deacon, elder, and served on the steering committee for Presbyterian Women. Through her involvement with local outreach, she served with the Lancaster County Council of Churches Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Bread for the World, Bridges of Hope, and Noah’s Ark. She also was a Bible study leader and Sunday School teacher. She was a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.).
She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts in 1984 and a Master’s Degree in English Literature in 1987 from Millersville University. She was a bookkeeper for several local companies including Sears Roebuck & Co., JC Penney, and Sir Speedy. She was also a lecturer for Weight Watchers in the 1980’s.
Barb is survived by three daughters, Beatrice Koch, wife of Nevin, Lititz, Beth Ann Miller, wife of William Jr., Findlay, OH, and Kathy L., Lititz; a son David, husband of Pamela, Northampton, PA; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Betty J. Engle, Dorothy Johnson, Kaye M. Eshleman, and Percy (Pete) D. Smith.
The family wishes to thank past and present staff of the Courtyards at Brethren Village, who participated in Mom’s care, for their love and concern. Your kindness and affection has been very much appreciated.
Memorial Services for Barb will be held at 2PM on Sunday, April 26, 2015, at Highland Presbyterian Church, 500 East Roseville Road, Lancaster, PA 17601, with the Rev. Dr. Ann Osborne officiating. Family and friends will be received at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the church’s Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Barbara’s name may be made to the Lancaster County Council of Churches Food Bank, 344 North Marshall Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 or Brethren Village Good Samaritan Fund, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA 17606.