Joan (Whyte) Shaffer

Joan Shaffer passed peacefully at home in Lower Burrell, she was 87 years old. Joan was born in New Castle, England on February 13, 1930. The daughter of the late James and Mary Jane Whyte. In 1955 she met and married LaMar Wayne Shaffer in Birmingham, England while based there for the United States Air Force. Joan arrived in the United States on September 19, 1955 where her and her husband made their home in Fremont, Ohio. Later to live in Toledo, Ohio where she worked as a photographer along with her husband. Joan was a member of the Daughters of the British Empire and in the 1970's was a nightclub singer. For many years Joan worked for a financial planner as a secretary until 2007 when she relocated to Pennsylvania to be close to her daughter and grandchildren. For a brief while she worked in a consignment shop owned by her daughter and named for her as Joni's Closet in Tarentum, Pennsylvania. She met many people during this time and this made her transition to Pennsylvania very easy. Joan was known for her great sense of humor, warm smile, and British accent. Joan is survived by her daughter, Tracy Christopher; grandsons, Adam (Brittnay) Pacek and Derek Christopher; longtime companion, Richard Celecki; brother-in-law, Jerry (Sandra) Shaffer of Fremont, Ohio; niece, Tamra Shaffer of Woodville, Ohio; nephews, Thomas (Kendra) and David (Sherrie) Shaffer, both of Fremont, Ohio and many great grandnieces and grandnephews. She was proceeded in death by her parents and by her brothers, Bryan and Derek.
Friends will be received on Saturday from 1:00 PM until the time of service at 4:00 PM in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc. 1522 Carlisle St. Natrona Heights 724-224-8688. Officiating will be the Rev. Gregory Spencer. Burial will be private. To send an on line condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.