Carol E. (Bower) Shaffer

Carol E. Shaffer, of Coburn, passed from this life, at her home, surrounded by her loving family and her devoted husband of 59 years, on March 27, 2023.  She was 78. 

Born on November 18, 1944, in Aaronsburg, Carol was the daughter of the late Henry and Stella (Hazel) Bower.  Carol was a graduate of Penns Valley Area High School.  She married the love of her life, Thomas C. Shaffer, in Hagerstown, Maryland, on September 24, 1963.

In addition to her husband, Carol is survived by her five children, Terry Shaffer of Aaronsburg, Tammy Glasgow (Dana) of Spring Mills, Todd Shaffer (Sheryl) of Coburn, Tina Kauffman (Troy) of Spring Mills, and Tanya Shaffer (Chad Crater) of Centre Hall: nine grandchildren, Michele Shawver (Preston) of Spring Mills, Teri Shaffer (Jeff Lantrip) of Georgia, Jessica Roth (Douglas) of Centre Hall, Ashley Besecker (Nate) of Coburn, Melinda Shaffer of Millheim, Lea Witherite (Greg) of Millheim, Thomas Kauffman (Katy) of Jamestown, PA, and Jaden Simons, and Ava Geisinger, both of Centre Hall.  Also surviving are ten great grandchildren, Jameson, Brooklyn, Sydney, Jackson, Nelson, McKenna, Holden, Madison, Gannon, and Cash. Additionally, Carol is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.  Carol was preceded in death by four brothers, Kenny Bower, Larry Bower, Richard (Dick) Bower, Dale Bower and her sister, Hazel Trimmer.  Carol has one surviving brother James “Jim” Bower (Belva) of Loganton, PA. 

Carol attended Faith Alive Fellowship Church.  She enjoyed spending time with her family, finding good deals at yard sales and antique shops, and going out to eat.  She enjoyed traveling, including going to Gettysburg and the 100 Mile Yard Sale, flea markets in Ohio, outlet shopping in Washington D.C., and visiting family in Texas and Georgia.  Carol had a sweet tooth and loved baking and trying new recipes.  She especially loved baking donuts on donut “Faschnaut” day.  You could always bet that she would have a fresh bouquet of flowers on the kitchen table, a cake or muffins on the counter, and many books for your reading pleasure. Carol was a collector of many things and found joy in gifting her collectibles to her family. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to 365 Hospice for the care provided during our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother’s final days. 

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, March 31, 2023, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Steven R. Neff Funeral Home in Millheim. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm with Pastor Nathan Walter officiating.  Carol will be laid to rest in Heckman Cemetery in Spring Mills.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Carol may be given to the Penns Valley Hope Fund, POB 427, Centre Hall, PA 16828.  

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