Shirley Shafer

Shirley Bahry Shafer was the embodiment of family, faith, friends, style and beauty. On the evening of December 8, 2022, Shirley saw the celestial light that was calling her home, and she was ready for her next adventure in the heavens.

Shirley was born in Akron, Ohio on May 14, 1938 and was raised in the loving home of her parents William and Mary Bahry. She decided early that she wanted a lot of children to make up for the siblings she did not have. Shirley attended St Vincent High School, and attended Akron University. She married her first love Gene Salem in 1958 and moved to South Bend, Indiana while he finished his law degree at Notre Dame.

Between 1959 and 1970, while she always seemed to be expecting one of her six children, Shirley was the belle of the ball. She centered her life on being an exceptional wife and mother with perseverance, poise and grace, and created an active and joyful lifestyle for her family.

Shirley volunteered at Akron General Hospital and was a member of WITAN, (Women in Touch with Akron's Needs). Charitable work was a theme throughout her life. Shirley's mantra to always "be charitable" is remembered by many.

In 1978, Shirley married Albert Shafer and they moved the family to Maryland. During this time, they traveled overseas for business and leisure. She adored these cultural adventures. In 1986, Shirley and Albert moved to Gwynedd, PA where Albert retired, and they opened a UPS shipping store. Shirley became a business owner, adding to her list of talents and acumen.

In 1997, Shirley moved to Dallas. She joined the Prestonwood Baptist Church and from 2010-2018 she worshiped weekly, joined The Canasta Cuties, The Celluloids, and, forever proud of her Lebanese heritage, she gave cooking classes making baklava and other signature dishes. She also volunteered at St. Michael's Woman's Exchange in Highland Park Village, continuing her legacy of volunteerism and giving.

Shirley's passing leaves behind her six children Sheryl Salem, Gina Chalkley, KT Salem II (Maria), Katina Maxwell (Barry), Nanette Buell (Rick) and Dean Salem (Liz); eight grandchildren and three great- grandchildren; and her two stepsons Jay Shafer (Charlotte), and family, and Chris Shafer (Marty) and family.

The family is grateful to her wonderful caregiver, Miriam Lopez, for the loving care she gave Shirley the past four years, and to dear friend and neighbor, Rose Laty and her family who became Shirley's family, enhancing her life beyond measure.

Shirley touched the lives of all who knew her with her style and grace. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in the name of Shirley B. Shafer to Parkinson Voice Project, 646 N. Coit Rd. Suite 2250, Richardson, TX 75080. www.parkinsonvoiceproject.org/donate

Calling Hours: January 5, 2023 from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at Hummel Funeral Home, 3475 Copley Rd, Akron, OH 44321. A Celebration of life service will be held at 11:00AM January 6, 2023 at St. Sebastian Church, 476 Mull Ave, Akron, OH 44320 followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends and guests are invited to attend a luncheon immediately following services at Papa Joe's, 1561 Akron Peninsula Rd, Akron, OH 44313.

In addition to the Akron services a Celebration of life service will be held at 2:00PM January 3, 2023 in the Faith Chapel at Prestonwood Baptist Church, 6801 W. Park Blvd, Plano, TX 75093.  The family will receive friends and guests immediately following the service in the Fireside Room.  Lunch served for those in attendance.