Ellen J. Shafer

Ellen J. Shafer, 70, of Terre Haute, was taken from us on Sunday, September 27, 2015. She was born on January 13, 1945, in Pittsfield, MA, to Herbert and Mildred Kay Covel. She married Ronald Shafer in November 1972.

Ellen is survived by her husband, Dr. Ronald Shafer of Terre Haute; children, Nicholas Altomonte and wife Lisa of Cherry Hill, NJ, Drs. Cindy Feiler and husband Alan of Asheville, NC, Dr. Tami Shafer of Pueblo, CO, Hara Wendy Shafer of Terre Haute, Becky Shafer RN of Springfield, MO, Helena Root and husband Dave of Portland, OR, and Harris Shafer and wife Emily of Bloomington, IN; grandchildren, Dylan and Carson Altomonte, Julia and Logan Feiler, and Riley and Kacie Boedecker; her mother, Mildred Kay Schultz of Pompano Beach, FL; brothers, Peter Covel and wife Karen of Pittsfield, MA, and Jeff Covel and wife Cele of Arlington, VA; her best friend, Sandy Green of Gouverneur, NY; mother-in-law Mildred Shafer of Albany, NY; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Herbert Covel DDS and her step-father, Donald Schultz.

Ellen held Master’s Degrees in both social work and elementary education. She had numerous hobbies including basket weaving, sewing, knitting, and shooting at the Riley Conservation Club. Ellen was a life-long member of Hadassah. She loved and doted on her dogs, Lucy and Jesse.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 2 at Highland Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ellen’s name to Hadassah or the Terre Haute Humane Society. Roselawn Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net