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The Rev. Mona (Thompson) Shaffer

March 21, 1921 - Feb. 27, 2018

Shaffer

The Rev. Mona (Thompson) Shaffer, 96, Central Pa., formerly of Altoona, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018.

She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Asbury and Mae Marie Thompson. On Aug. 20, 1949, she married Paul C. Shaffer at Clearville Methodist Church, where Paul was pastor while finishing training at Wesley Theological Seminary.

Surviving are two daughters: Joy Shaffer (Rusty) Schneck of Exton and Jill Shaffer (Paul Daniel) Swanson of Boalsburg; and four grandchildren: Christopher Schneck (Julie Allen), Sarah Schneck and Eva and Aubrey Swanson.

Mona was a 1939 graduate of Altoona High School, and she attended Altoona School of Commerce. She worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad, and she obtained a degree in elementary education from Juniata College, where she met her beloved husband, Paul.

Mona embraced the vision and dreams of being a missionary, and this came to fruition as a pastor’s wife as she nurtured congregations, taught Sunday school and led Bible studies.

She continued her education and, in 1963, she became one of the first women to be ordained in the Methodist church. In 1973, she obtained a master’s degree in special education from Millersville University, and she taught for the York City Schools until retiring at age 67.

Mona and Paul served many churches in Bedford and Clearfield counties, as well as Altoona, Osceola Mills, Bellefonte, Wellsboro, Harrisburg, York and Hanover.

In her spare time, Mona counseled individuals seeking guidance, spent time with family and friends and enjoyed sewing, crocheting and cooking.

Her true joy was her grandchildren, as she adored them, nurtured them in the faith and bestowed as much love upon them as humanly possible. She enjoyed attending Massanetta Springs Bible Conference, Christian Ashrams and the Congress on Evangelism and visiting Ocean Grove, N.J.

Mona was a beloved mother, grandma, aunt, teacher, mentor, religious leader, friend, mother-in-law and a child of God.

Friends will be received from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 10, 2018, at Mardorf United Methodist Church, Altoona, where a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday. Arrangements are by James J. Terry Funeral Home, Downingtown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Massanetta Springs, 712 Massanetta Springs Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

jamesterryfuneralhome.com