Marion A. Shafer

Marion Shafer, 87, of Stevensville, passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2006 at Lakeland Hospital – St. Joseph, after a short illness. She departed this life and moved on to a better place with loving and devoted daughter, Barbara, by her bedside. She is now in heaven with her Lord and family members who preceded her in death. Marion was born in Chicago, Illinois, on February 1, 1919 to William and Emily (Novak) Denemark. Marion had been a life-long resident of Stevensville since 1928, when she and her family moved to this area. On January 1, 1949 she married Dale I. Shafer of Berrien Center. They were married for fourteen years. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, William Denemark. Survivors to cherish her memory are daughter, Barbara Shafer; sister, Gladys Sandera; and other family members, friends, and neighbors. One neighbor in particular who was like a daughter was Mattie Whitright. In Marion’s younger years, she was a devoted housewife and mother. She was involved in outside activities like working as an election inspector, gathering school census, volunteering at Stewart School, and helped pack fruit and vegetables at a few local farms. Marion eventually worked for Maestro Corporation in Stevensville, until its’ close. She was a member of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Posse Auxiliary in its early days, and loved the out of doors. Later in life Marion lived a simple lifestyle where she enjoyed reading, tending to her flowers, visiting with persons who came to visit, and taking care of her four-legged friends, of which there were many during her lifetime. As per Mrs. Shafer’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan. Arrangements are entrusted to Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guestbook online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com