Mariann Poyer Shaffer

Mariann Poyer Shaffer

Enfield, NH - Mariann Poyer Shaffer passed away on September 5, 2025, at Sunapee Cove Memory Care under hospice care. She was born June 8, 1940, in Brooklyn, NY, to Julian Stanley Poyer and Anne Bergeson, and was raised in Bayside, NY.

After graduating from Bayside High School in 1958, Mariann attended the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, having previously participated in an early admission summer program there while still in high school. She earned a degree in Performance and Public School Music and continued her vocal studies as a coloratura soprano in New York City, where she was also working at the time.

Mariann married LTJG USN Howard C. Shaffer III on June 6, 1964, in East Williston, NY. The ceremony was officiated by Howard's father, a minister. Mariann toured with the Glovsky Opera Company for three seasons, while continuing her vocal studies in both New York City and Boston.

She found a way to continue her musical career in the many locations across the United States and abroad, including performances in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, Virginia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Enfield.

In 1989, while living in Northboro, MA, Mariann served on the local Arts Council and received a three-month fellowship in Arts Management from the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, D.C. She later returned to Massachusetts to become the first Executive Director of the Assabet Valley Master Singers.

Mariann was a devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, daughter-in-law, homemaker, and a friend to many. Throughout her life, she gracefully navigated numerous moves due to her husband's career. In 2002, Mariann and Howard retired to their beloved home on Mascoma Lake in Enfield, NH, where they built a strong community of friends.

A woman of faith, Mariann taught singing in Sunday School and was an active member of the Women's Fellowship at Community Lutheran Church in Enfield, where she and Howard were longtime members.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Howard Shaffer; her son David Shaffer and his former wife Linda of Massachusetts, and their children Alexandra, Harrison, and Mitchell; her son Peter Shaffer and his wife Maryanne of Connecticut, and their children Guy Thomas and Victoria Anne; nephews Karl Fornander, Daniel Shaffer, Matthew Shaffer, Joseph Shaffer, and Kyle Shaffer; and niece Kim Fornander Shell.

Mariann was predeceased by her brothers, David and Robert Poyer; her sister, June Poyer Fornander; and her nephew, John Mark Shaffer.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00 am at Community Lutheran Church. Interment of ashes will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mariann's memory may be made to Community Lutheran Church of Enfield, NH. (PO Box 450. Enfield, NH 03748)

We want to thank all the Caring and Wonderful Caregivers who made this journey with us. DHMC, Hygeia, Christina's Caregiving, Sunapee Cove Assisted Living and Memory Care, Lake Sunapee Region Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice.