Florence Shaffer

Florence Louise (Fitch) Shaffer was born in her family home in Andover Ohio, on February 28, 1926, a daughter to John Orasmus Fitch and Nettie Evelyn (Amon) Fitch. A life-long resident of Brookfield, Ohio, she transitioned to rejoin her husband and be with the Lord on October 27, 2014.  Vibrant and independent through her last day, she passed following a very brief and unexpected illness. She was 88.

Florence was the last surviving child of John & Nettie Fitch’s nine children.  Her brothers and sisters preceding her in death were:  Lewis Fitch, Ethel Fitch, John Fitch, Leona Fitch, Clarence Fitch, Lyle Fitch, Donald Fitch, and Archie Fitch.

She married her husband, and life-long partner Lieutenant Colonel Emmett C. Shaffer JR on May, 25th 1946.  Together they traveled the world, both while on active duty during her husband’s military career in the U.S. Army and then afterwards during retirement.  In recent years, she was often seen driving around town in her little red truck as she pursued her passions: supporting her aging brothers and sisters, raising chickens, maintaining her flower garden, building things, and caring for her daily companions-her dogs.

“We’re all still in shock. It just happened so quickly,” said Naomi Williams also of Brookfield—her best friend and recent daily care giver. “She was an extraordinary, physically strong and multitalented person that would give the shirt off her back to help someone in need”

Florence dropped out of High School in the 9th grade, as did all but one brother, Don, following the early death of her mother and father—to work, support the family, and help raise her brothers and sisters.

“We were poor, and didn’t have a pot to piss in back in those days- but running around the yard with all of my brothers and sisters, not knowing where our next meal was coming from - those were the best days of my life”, said Florence. Florence died an incredibly successful woman, having raised herself and her family out of poverty.  Her strength and wisdom had a profound impact on her children—“money isn’t everything, and remember to be nice to everyone, because you don’t know the hardship, sorrow, or pain they may be going through” a lesson from mom, that her children never forgot.

Her name sake, Dr. Florence Louise (Shaffer) Diorio & her husband Hank, Green Ohio, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Emmett Clair Shaffer III, & his wife Patty, Clarksville, Tennessee, and Colonel (Retired) Donald Lyle Shaffer & his wife Debbie, Stafford Virginia, will make certain her memory will never be forgotten.

Florence enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow and prosper: Tara Diorio-Welsted & her husband Paul, Jonathan Diorio, Emmett Shaffer & his wife Jessica, Megan Shaffer-Farris & her husband Chris, Leah and Kurt Shaffer.  Most recently she cherished time with her 5 great-grandchildren: Logan and GiannaWelsted, Jonathan Diorio, Jaxson Cole Shaffer, and Henley Elizabeth Farris.

Services will be held at Briceland Funeral Home, 379 State Rt. 7, SE, Brookfield Center, Ohio on Saturday, November 1st, 2014. Gathering will be 9:00 am to 11:00 am with formal services immediately following. Florence will be laid to rest with her husband in the Brookfield Cemetery.

As suggested by her family, memorial contributions can be made to the Brookfield Township Outreach Association c/o Briceland Funeral Service.

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be given to Florence’s family by visiting www.bricelandfuneralservice.com