The Reverend Mona (Thompson) Shaffer of Central Pennsylvania passed away February 27, 2018. Mona was born March 21, 1921 in Altoona, PA, daughter of Asbury and Mae Marie Thompson. She graduated from Altoona High School in 1939, attended Altoona School of Commerce and worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad. She obtained a degree in Elementary Education from Juniata College, where she met her beloved husband, Paul C. Shaffer.  They were married August 20, 1949 at Clearville Methodist Church where Paul was pastor while finishing training at Wesley Theological Seminary. 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 became one of the first women to be ordained in the Methodist Church in 1963. Mona obtained a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Millersville University in 1973 and taught in the York City Schools until retirement at age 67.  Paul and Mona served many churches in Bedford and Clearfield Counties, Altoona, Osceola Mills, Bellefonte, Wellsboro, Harrisburg, York and Hanover.
 
Mona’s true adoration and joy were her grandchildren: Christopher, Sarah, Eva, and Aubrey. She adored them, nurtured them in the faith and bestowed as much love as humanly possible upon them. She enjoyed attending Massanetta Springs Bible Conference, Christian Ashrams, and the Congress on Evangelism and visiting Ocean Grove, NJ.  Mona was a beloved Mother, Grandma, aunt, teacher, mentor, religious leader, friend, Mother-in-Law and Child of God. In her spare time, she counseled individuals seeking guidance, spent time with family and friends, and enjoyed sewing, crocheting and cooking. 
 
Mona is survived by daughters Joy Shaffer Schneck (Rusty) of Exton, PA, and Jill Shaffer Swanson (Paul Daniel) of Boalsburg, PA, and grandchildren: Christopher Schneck (Julie Allen), Sarah Schneck, Eva and Aubrey Swanson.
 
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at Mardorf United Methodist Church, 3429 Juniata Gap Rd, Altoona, PA 16601. Visitation will be at 10:00 am.  
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Massanetta Springs, 712 Massanetta Springs Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
 
To send online condolences, visit https://www.jamesterryfuneralhome.com/tributes/Mona-Shaffer

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