Debra Ann (Wade) Shafer

Debra Ann (Wade) Shafer, 49, of Meadville passed away peacefully at home Sunday, June 2, 2019 after combating sarcoma cancer for 20 months.  Deb was born in Titusville on May 2, 1970 a daughter of Lionel J. (Jim) and Ann E. Ohl Wade III.  She graduated from Eisenhower High School in Rialto, CA before moving back to Titusville.  She married Thomas D. Shafer, Sr., December 2, 2015 and he survives.

No matter what the circumstances, Deb always had a positive attitude and a smile on her face.  Even as her illness progressed, she was bound and determined to go back to work.  Her grandchildren will remember her as “Grandma Nuts” because of her silliness, love of life and laughter.

In addition to her husband Tom, she is survived by two daughters, Sara Barnhart (Tom) of Titusville and Brooke Barker of Saegertown; six children by marriage who were like her own, Amanda Kline (Shane) of Guys Mills, Crystal Shafer (friend, Scott Lesher) of Meadville, Joe Castile of Meadville, Samantha Shafer (friend, Cole Lindner) of Meadville, Ashley Shafer (friend, Mike Chase) of Titusville and Thomas D. Shafer, Jr. of Meadville.  She loved being Grandma to her ten grandchildren, Jaylynn Eccles, Rhylee Eccles, Sam Barnhart, Stryker Collins, Thoren Shafer, Thea Molnar, Anabella Chase, Annalissa Shafer, Felicity Molnar and Peyton Chase.  She is also survived by her father, Jim and two brothers, James Allen Wade (Lori) and Joseph Brian Wade all of Titusville and her in-laws, Thomas T. Shafer and Janice Lipps of Meadville.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Ann E. Wade and her grandparents.

Deb enjoyed riding her motorcycle, making crafts and gardening when she wasn’t working at Greenleaf Corporation.  Deb was especially noted for baking and giving away her awesome cookies and enchiladas.  She was a member of the Cherrytree VFD Fire Police for nearly 15 years and felt it a privilege to be the flag bearer in many Memorial Day parades with the VFW and American Legion.

Friends and family are invited to join in a celebration of Deb’s life with visitation Saturday, June 8th from 4-6 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut Street, Meadville.  The service will follow at 6 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. David Balt, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Hospice of Crawford County, 766 Liberty Street, Meadville, PA 16335.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net