News Summary
The Tionesta community mourns the loss of Donna L. Shaffer, a beloved matriarch known for her family ties and love for golf. A celebration of her life will take place on August 4, honoring her contributions to the community and her passions.
Tionesta Bids Farewell to Beloved Matriarch Donna L. Shaffer
On a somber Monday, July 28, 2025, the tight-knit community of Tionesta, Pennsylvania, lost a true gem. Donna L. (Brewer) Shaffer, age 89, passed away peacefully at UPMC Northwest in Seneca. With her passing, a chapter closes not only for her family but for everyone who had the privilege of knowing this vibrant soul.
A Life Steeped in Family and Faith
Born on November 5, 1935, in the quaint town of Punxsutawney, Donna was the beloved daughter of the late Royd H. and Ruth A. (Boucher) Brewer. She wed her childhood sweetheart, Ronald E. “Ron” Shaffer, on December 17, 1955, in their hometown, solidifying a bond that would endure until Ron’s passing on January 21, 2022. Together, they built a family and instilled values that would resonate through generations.
Community Pillar
Donna was not only a loving wife and mother but also a driving force in her community. She spent many years working as a bookkeeper for Ray Karl of Karl Drilling and his building company, contributing to the local economy and showcasing her strong work ethic. Her talents didn’t stop there; she was a devoted Christian and made her mark as a member of both the Oakland Church of God in Distant and later the Tionesta Church of God.
At Tionesta Church of God, Donna shared her passion for faith by teaching children’s Sunday School classes. Her love for the community extended to organizing church dinners, where her culinary skills shone brightly. She was known for her warm spirit and her ability to bring people together around a table.
A Celebration of Life
Donna was a proud mother to her son, Doug Shaffer, and daughter-in-law, Marie, who now reside in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Her legacy lives on through her three grandchildren: Kenny Shaffer, Julie Woodson and her husband Russell “Woody”, as well as Nikki Shaffer. And let’s not forget her two great-granddaughters, Kaylee and McKenzie Woodson, who were the sparkle in her eye.
Donna’s familial bonds were further strengthened by her sister-in-law, Mary Brewer, along with several nieces and nephews who cherished her deeply. While her brother, Ronald Brewer, predeceased her on November 5, 2012, the memories they shared lived on in her heart.
Livin’ the Good Life
Outside of her family and faith, Donna embraced life in every possible way. She was a familiar face at high school sporting events, cheering on local teams alongside Ron. Her passion for golf was well-known, and she enjoyed inviting friends over for game nights filled with dominoes and cards. In her spare time, you could find her lost in a puzzle, engaging in diamond painting, or whipping up delicious meals and baked goods.
Donna shared her life with a loyal canine companion, a dog named Cole, who brought her joy during their daily car rides and even had a special cheese time three times a day! It’s those simple pleasures that showcased her warm and whimsical personality.
A Farewell to a Beloved Matriarch
Family and friends are invited to gather on Monday, August 4, 2025, from 10 A.M. to noon at the Tionesta Church of God, 1582 Route 36, Tionesta, PA 16353, to remember this cherished matriarch. Following the visitation, a celebration of Donna’s life will take place at noon, led by her close friend, Pastor Earl E. Flick of Dayton Church of God.
A funeral luncheon will follow the service, ensuring that everyone has a chance to share stories and fond memories of Donna. If you wish to honor Donna’s legacy, her family requests that memorial contributions be directed to the Tionesta Church of God Memorial Fund at P.O. Box 247, Tionesta, PA 16353. Messages of sympathy can be left online, ensuring that her impact continues to be felt in the hearts of all who knew her.
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Additional Resources
- Legacy: Donna L. Shaffer Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Times Online: Obituary for Donna L. Shaffer
- Google Search: Donna Shaffer Obituary
- Legacy: Donna Shaffer Obituary (Leader Vindicator)
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Legacy: Sharon Johnson Obituary
- Google News: Sharon Johnson Obituary
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