Susan Gardner DeFrain Shaffer, 85, of State College died on September 22, 2008, at 8:40 a.m. at Centre Crest Nursing Center in Bellefonte.
She was born in Hustontown, Fulton County, Pennsylvania, on June 7, 1923. She is the daughter of the late Reverend Parker Gardner and Jennye Hershner Gardner both formerly of Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania.
On July 22,1943, she married Sergeant Harold J. DeFrain who died in service to his country on December 31, 1943.
On June 11,1948, she married Charles Roger Shaffer of Loganton, Pennsylvania, who died on December 15, 2000.
She is survived by two sons, Todd Alan Shaffer of Centre Hall, and his wife Kimberly, and Kenton Gardner Shaffer of Centre Hall, and his partner, Susan's dear friend, C. Thomas Horner. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Cameron Charles Shaffer, and Morgan Kathryn Shaffer, of Centre Hall, and Ashley Lynn Shaffer, of Flagler Beach, Florida.
Susan spent a lifetime working in the medical profession in many capacities, including Nursing Aide, X-Ray Technician, Laboratory Technician, and for 29 years was Office Manager for Doctor A. Reid Allison, Jr. of State College. She also worked privately as a caregiver to many people in the State College area. For six years she was a volunteer at Centre Crest Nursing Horne.
She had a great love for her church and choral music and was active in both. She was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Private graveside services will be held at the Lutheran Cemetery in Loganton, Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Meals on Wheels, 205 S. Garner St. State College, PA 16801
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com