Diane K. Shafer

Walden, NY

Diane K. Shafer, 55, of Walden, NY, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday July 2, 2008 after a courageous battle with liver cancer. She entered each day with faith that everything was part of God's plan for her life.

Diane was born in Passaic, NJ to Karl and Margaret Kramer on May 15, 1953. She married Gerald R. Shafer on June 22, 1974.

She is survived by her parents of Wayne, NJ; her husband and best friend, Jerry; loving son, Jeremy R. Shafer of Rock Tavern; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Richard Underhill of Wayne, NJ; brother and sister-in-law, Karl and Elizabeth Kramer of Arlington Heights,IL; mother-in-law, Jean Shafer of Montgomery; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bruce and Stephanie Shafer of Poughkeepsie; nieces Tracy and Melissa Underhill, Erica, Danielle, Amanda Shafer, and nephews, Adam and Ethan Kramer; several aunts and uncles, and cousins. In addition to family members, Diane is survived by her close friends, Carolann Brown of Montgomery, Maggie Hyland of Pine Bush, Rev. Paul and Marilyn Benes of High Falls, and Joe and Renee Schmidt of Montgomery. Also she is survived by her beloved cats, dogs, and cows that were truly the light of her life. Diane was a sixth grade teacher at the Crispell Middle School in Pine Bush since 1984 and truly was at her best when she was in front of her class. She served as a grade level chair, team leader, member of numerous committees at school, co-advisor of the Crispell Student Council, member of the Pine Bush Teachers Association, and faculty representative to the P.B.T.A. Prior to teaching she was employed by the Orange County Departments of Mental Health and Social Services as a caseworker. She graduated from Ramapo College of NJ and SUNY New Paltz where she earned her masters in Education degree. She was a member of the First Reformed Church, Walden since 1980 and loved every minute of her service to the Lord. Diane used her talents as a deacon, elder, and served as vice president of the consistory and was always willing to pitch in using her organizational skills where needed. Diane was a leader with the Orange County 4-H program and had served on the board of directors and as both a county coach for the Dairy Bowl and Dairy Discovery teams. She and Jerry owned Shamore Holsteins and she was a member in both the New York State and national Holstein Association. She loved to show her cows and calves at both local and regional shows during summer months and always approached her animals with kindness and love. After her courageous fight against cancer, she is and inspiration to us all.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, July 6, at the Millspaugh Funeral Home, 22 Bank St. Walden, NY from 2-4 and from 7-9 p.m.

A service of the celebration of Diane's life will be held at the First Reformed Church, 70 Scofield St. Walden on Monday July 7, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Paul A. Benes and Rev. Robert Miller officiating. Cremation will be at the convenience of the family with Diane's ashes being buried at sea.

Memorial contributions in Diane's name may be made to the First Reformed Church, 70 Scofield St. Walden, NY 12586, or the Marbletown Reformed Church, 3750 Main St., Stone Ridge, NY,12484 or Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.

Arrangements were made by Millspaugh Funeral Directors, 22 Banks St., Walden, NY 12586, 845-778-3200.