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Mary Shafer Obituary
May 2, 2013
Mary Beth Barton Shafer, 66, of Newport, Perry County, died Thursday.
Born in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., July 20, 1946, she resided in Newport for 33 of those years.
She was a retired physical therapist who had worked for both the Visiting Nurse Association and Capital Area Intermediate Unit in the Harrisburg area assisting special needs children in the local school systems.
She was an active member of Incarnation United Church of Christ in Newport, including overseeing the Sunday School program and active member in the choir. Jesus Christ was a big part of her life as well as her family. She was also active with the local Relay for Life, having been a cancer survivor.
She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Leonard Samuel Shafer, originally of Barnesville; her three sons, Seth, Matt and Adam, their wives; her brother, Roger; and her seven grandchildren, Caleb, Cole, Gabriel, Grant, Ella, Gwendolyn and Gavin.
A viewing will be at 10:30 am followed by a noon service Monday at Christ UCC & Lutheran Church, Field Road, Rush Township, Tamaqua. There will be a separate memorial service May 11 at 11 a.m. at United Church of Christ in Newport. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Newport Relay for Life for team 'Bob and Friends' payable to American Cancer Society and can be sent to Incarnation United Church of Christ, Attn: Robin Beaver, 47 N. Fourth St., Newport, PA 17074. Funeral arrangements are being made by Lamar Christ Funeral Home, 31 Mahanoy Ave., Tamaqua, PA 18252.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Shafer
May 11, 2013
To the Shafer family- Beth was such a wonderful person and she has left an impression on everyone who met her-our family included. The services were beautiful and a loving tribute to one of God's special messengers. She will be greatly missed!
May 11, 2013
Beth and I had many contacts while dealing with special children and we appreciated the value of the skills we each had to help the kids. I send sympathy to your whole family, she was a such a great person. Jean S, Jones, retired adapted physical education teacher
Flanders Family
May 10, 2013
Lenny, Seth, Matt, Adam and Families
We are so sorry for your loss. Beth was full of life and enjoyed all of you so much. We enjoyed our talks with her at the yearly gathering at Trout's; her smile when she spoke of all of you just lit up her face! Take comfort that she will be with you always, with her watchful eye and smile shining down! God Bless
Felicia Mahan
May 10, 2013
Beth was my daughters physical therapist for a few years before she retired. I remember telling her she wasn't allowed to retire because we loved her so much! She was wonderful and helped my daughter so much and helped my family :) we will miss her dearly. I am praying for her family and know her spirit will live on through them. God Bless
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May 9, 2013
I was with Mary Beth on the January Lend A Hand trip, her bed was beside mine. I really enjoyed her company she was so kind and caring I was looking forward to seeing her again on another Lend a Hand Adventure. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Pat Derstler
May 9, 2013
(Psalms 90:10) In themselves the days of our years are seventy years; And if because of special mightiness they are eighty years, Yet their insistence is on trouble and hurtful things; For it must quickly pass by, and away we fly.
University Park, Illinois
Bradley Gill
May 7, 2013
Lenny, Matt, Adam, and Seth. My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with you all. You all have created many lasting memories with your mom. Never forget the great times you spent with her. God Bless.
Rev. A. O. & Suzanne McGill
May 6, 2013
To Beth's family....... As you know, Beth was a great person! Suzanne and I join in your loss. I remember her at church, in the choir, building Habitat houses in Romania. Beth was great! May more of us be like her. We are very glad to have know her. Many blessings to you.
Jessica Cree
May 6, 2013
Lenny, Seth, Matt and Adam,
I will always remember Beth as a very special person, a smiling face at church and as a kind and compassionate neighbor to both my grandparents and Aunt. Thinking of you all and keeping you in my prayers.
May 6, 2013
I was a coworker of Beth's at the IU. She was an amazing woman and therapist who touched everyone she came in contact with over the years. Although the world has lost an amazing person, heaven has gained an angel who now looks over her beloved family. May God bless and guide you all in your time of sorrow.
Kristi Kuren
Barb Fidler
May 6, 2013
Lennie, Seth, Matt and Adam,
I had the pleasure of working with Beth for about 20 years, and I learned so, so much from her. She was so hard working and energetic, and she loved her family with all of her heart and soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most sorrowful time. Heaven has another angel.
Jean Sanderson
May 6, 2013
I interacted with Beth often when she worked with students in the West Perry School District. She also worked with my grandson who was born with motor issues. What a great, kind lady.
Stephanie
May 6, 2013
I've known Beth for a while, but in the past 6 years got to know her better being involved with Relay for Life. She is one of the most compassionate, humble people I have ever known, and I'm very happy to call her my friend. I'm so sorry to her husband and family for losing her so soon. Beth was truly, truly, one of the best. May she rest in eternal peace.
jill henig
May 6, 2013
Beth was not only a wonderful person, she was an outstanding physical therapist. Her humbleness and talent made her a very special person. May she rest in peace.
Wendy Wallace
May 6, 2013
Beth was a dear coworker and a mentor. She was an amazing PT. It was obvious she loved her dear family. Beth had a beautiful spirit and everyone who knew her left a better person. My prayers are with you all in this difficult time. Lean on God for comfort and strength as well as your beautiful memories.
Jan Watt
May 6, 2013
As a co-worker of Beth's for years at the IU, I knew her as a competent, caring, sweet, and generous person. She always made me smile. May you find solace in your memories and may God grant you peace and comfort in the coming days.
The Hinkle's
May 5, 2013
A great woman, a friend to all, that will be greatly missed by many. Our thoughts are with you all.
Martonick Family
May 5, 2013
May she rest in peace. A star shines brighter as her soul is welcomed into heaven.
Deepest sympathy and love to the entire Shafer family.
Aaron Hess
May 5, 2013
Our prayers go to a woman who still Believes in God, give her Eternal life to him and to her people, Teaches what God is saying, and Helps give the courage and strength they need to move on. Beth, you have been a good teacher and a good friend to everyone in your church, and we will not give you up for anything else in this world. God and all of us are with you. Until We Meet Again.
May 5, 2013
Our deepest and heart felt condolences to the Shafer Family, she was devoted mother and grandmother, she surely going to be missed by all. Aida Shahinian
Brian & Cheryl Holley
May 5, 2013
Beth was a remarkable woman and will be missed by many. Be confident in knowing that she is in Heaven smiling down on all of us. God Bless!
Lori Ehrisman
May 5, 2013
Our condolences to the family. Beth made everyones life better just for being in it. She was wonderful with all the children she worked with, our son, Jacob, included. She will be very much missed.
May 5, 2013
Sincere condolences to the family for your loss and may you experience God's comfort during this difficult time.
Psalm 147:3.
Larry & Janet Holley
May 4, 2013
Lennie,Seth,Matt,Adam,
May you all know that you are in our thoughts & prayers. May you find comfort in knowing that Beth is now in the loving arms of Jesus. God Bless,
Larry & Janet Holley
Leroy & Lois Fleisher
May 4, 2013
Lenny, Lois and I want to extend our condolences to you and your sons. We are very sad for your loss. Beth was always very nice to us, as she was to everyone. She will be greatly missed by everyone.
We deeply appreciate all she did for Karen.
Jennifer Cree Keefe
May 4, 2013
Wonderfully kind, joyful, and compassionate, Beth was a very special person who made this world a better place.
Diane and Bill Vance
May 4, 2013
Our daughter, Meredith, was indeed blessed to have Beth as her mother-in-law. She was truly a second Mom to Meredith and a wonderful friend. We are all richer for having known her. Although we only met a little over 10 years ago when Meredith and Seth met and decided to marry, we celebrated many family celebrations together. She is in the arms of her Lord whom she loved. Our prayers continue for the family and memories of a life lived for others.
May 4, 2013
I have worked with beth since visiting nurses and then at the capital area intermediate unit.She has such passion and love and she never gave up or let a family give up on their child. She talked lovingly about her boys and her grandbabies. The world lost a peace maker and the spirit world gained a righteous beautiful spirit. Live on dear Beth, now you know. Miss Joanne-OT
May 4, 2013
Beth was a wonderful friend to all of us. She could talk me into most anything. I just couldn't say no to her when she coaxed me into those childrens' sermons in church. We will miss her beautiful smile and friendship.
Tim Polcha
May 4, 2013
Mr. Shafer, Seth, Matt, Adam, I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Shafer was such a kind and genuine person. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Judy and Dan Miller
May 4, 2013
Lenny and families
Beth was a wonderful person and will be missed by all who knew her. I am saddened by your loss. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow. God bless you all.
May 4, 2013
BETH WAS A VERY SPECIAL LADY WHO OPENED HER HEART TO EVERYONE SHE MET. AS SHE VISIITED WITH ME IN MARCO SHE ALWAYS FOUND TIME TO SPEAK TO ALL THOSE PEOPLE SHE MET WHILE SEARCHING FOR THOSE PERFECT SHELLS AND WOULD COME BACK TO THE CONDO AND TELL ME ABOUT HER NEW FRIEND WHO SHE WALKED WITH THAT DAY. SHE ENJOYED LIFE AND MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THOSE LIVES SHE TOUCHED. SHE WILL BE SADLY MISSED.
MAY YOU ALL FIND SOLACE IN KNOWING SHE WILL SPEND ETERNITY WITH HER BEST FRIEND JESUS.
KLIDA AND PAUL
Alice Fleisher
May 4, 2013
Lenny, Seth, Matt, and Adam I am so sorry for your loss. I have known all of you forever and will always remember Beth in my heart. I am sending prayers to all of you and your families.
Dianne and Bert Shuey
May 4, 2013
I lost a true and loving friend but I thank God for the blessing of having her in my life. We spent many great times together - the Alaska cruise, kayaking and relaxing with a glass of wine by the pool with other friends. Bert and I send our deepest sympathy to the family.
May 4, 2013
Dear Shafer family, we were part of MaryBeth's cancer treatment at East Shore Oncololgy. We loved and appreciated her sweetness so very much. She was one of our favorites! Praying that God overwhelms you with His comfort as only He can. Kim, Jenn, Lori and Ronda.
May 4, 2013
Lennie and famalies, Our deepest sympathy.Beth was a wonderful person and will be sadly missed. Darwin and Judy
May 4, 2013
Lennie and families, Our deepest sympathy Beth was a wonderful person and will be sadley missed. Darwin and Judy
trudy gill
May 4, 2013
God has called home one of his earthly angels. I met beth when her son matt and my son became best friends in grade school. What a wonderful wife mother and friend. You will be missed. God bless the family and walk with them in this sorrowful time.
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