Nora Shaffer

1925 - 2014

Nora M. Shaffer Born: Oct. 16, 1925 Died: March 23, 2014 On March 23, 2014 at 2:00 AM, Nora Mae Shaffer passed away from extended lung and kidney problems. Nora, or to some, mom, or to others, mother Shaffer, was born Nora Mae Reynolds on October 16, 1925 in Benton, IL to Austin (Tex) Reynolds and Rachael Lenora West-Reynolds. January 13, 1947 there was a happy marriage to Stanley Everett Shaffer in Benton, IL Together they were blessed with seven children, Jeffrey Bruce, Karen Sue, Stanley Everett Jr., Michael Wayne and Kevin Andrew, while in Murphysboro, IL, then moving to Joliet, IL, had Thomas Wade and Lisa Marie Shaffer. Nora was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Everett Shaffer Sr. on November 3, 1989; and a son, Stanley Shaffer Jr. on June 20, 1998. Nora is survived by her brother, Raymond Reynolds of Marion, IL; and 6 children, Bruce, Karen, Mike, Kevin, Tom and Lisa. Nora was blessed to have 15 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 1 great -great grandchild. Nora graduated from Benton High School in 1942, and in 1943 began working for Bell Telephone Company in Benton, IL. After some 25 years away from Bell to raise her family, Nora returned to Bell telephone to help support her family. Nora started working for the operator services, and became a union representative. Nora then transferred to Bell Labs Training Center where she became a trainer. Then in 1990, with 30+ years in, Nora retired to help friends acquaintances and grandchildren. Prior to death, Nora Shaffer was the oldest living member of the Telephone Pioneer Organization, a distinction she treasured. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 31, 2014 at 1:00 PM at the St. Mary 's Catholic Church in Eldorado. Burial will be in Lindale Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, March 31, from 10:00 AM til 12:30 PM at the Watson Funeral Home in Eldorado. On a personal note, even when we hardly had any food or clothes, she would always add some water to the bean soup or stew we had, so anyone we brought home would also have a hot meal, and still found money and clothes to donate for less fortunate people. Our mother, Nora was greatly loved and will be missed sadly by all of us. On line condolences may be sent to the family at watsonfuneralhome.net