Joan Shaffer
Joan Shaffer, age 76, of Vanderbilt, Pa., went to be with our Lord and Savior while at UPMC Shadyside Hospital on Monday, July 16, 2018.
Joan was the daughter of the late Edna Mae (Holt) and John R. Neckerauer.
Joan was a selfless, generous, and devoted individual. Her loving attributes and regard for kindness radiated outward through her work and actions.
She owned and operated a personal care home for over 25 years. She cared for her residents as if they were her own family and displayed unwavering compassion every day leading up to her retirement.
This same love and admiration also found its way to animals where the many animals she accrued over the years, such as birds, horses, cows, and many dogs, also became loved family members. She was also a breeder of Shih Tzu dogs.
All of these life endeavors made her heart very happy.
Joan married the love of her life, “Buddy” William P. Shaffer. They were married for nearly 40 years and emulated the definition of true love. For the past three years, the two of them spent a vast amount of time together but still made sure to thoroughly enjoy the small things such as spending the morning drinking their coffee and appreciating one another’s company. They enjoyed cooking and watching TV in the evening. The two of them were always hand -in-hand. The last 2½ years they experienced another chapter of life together, twin grandsons (who helped keep them both young at heart). Joan and Buddy were best friends and genuinely appreciated every second of their time together.
Joan was a dedicated and loving mother of Kim, Michelle, and Michael. She was very proud of her family and was delighted to be “Grandma” to her nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Joan loved family get -togethers and holidays; any chance she had to spend time with her family was significant to her. She valued and cherished those moments, holding them near and dear to her heart. Joan loved to cook for everyone and especially fancied Christmas with the family, where crab and lobster found their way into the traditional ham dinner. She loved to bake; her pies and carrot cake were terrific.
Joan had a sassy and lively sense of humor, and she would go out of her way to help anyone; she had a huge heart and a kind soul.
Joan was born August 24, 1941, in McKeesport, Pa., and is survived by her husband William “Buddy” Shaffer, and her daughter Kimberly Lasko and husband John Lasko, daughter Michelle Lally and Don, son Michael Shaffer and Jennifer; grandchildren: Lauren and Rebecca Lasko, Justin Shaffer and Ginny, Dominic Caringola and wife Jessika, Thomas and Johnathan Lally, Jayden, Sawyer, and Landyn Shaffer; great granddaughter Jade Shaffer; Joan’s brother “Bud” John Neckerauer. Joan is survived by a large extended family and known as “Joanie” to all.
Friends will be received in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., 111 East Green Street, Connellsville, PA 15425 today 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday Service at 11:30 a.m.
Interment will follow in Restland-Lincoln Memorial Park, Monroeville, at 2:00 p.m.
Visitation was also held on Thursday 6 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Joan’s favorite charity “Wounded Warriors”.
To leave a message or send condolences, please visit our website at www. brooksfuneralhomes.com