Lois Bailey Shaffer

Lois Irene (Bailey) Shaffer, 92, of Melbourne, FL passed away Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at home in the presence of her loving family. Lois was born on March 23, 1922 in Geneva, PA to Lee and Frances Bailey. She graduated Conneaut Lake High School in Pennsylvania in 1940 and went on to Edinboro State Teachers College to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1944. Her life long ambition was to teach and she had a fervent desire to share with others.

As a teacher she was an active participant in patriotic gatherings as a pianist, accompanist, teacher advisor to the local PTA as well as grade level chair and faculty advisory representative. She was awarded Teacher of the Year as well as other distinct honors including The Freedoms Foundation Award. Her greatest accomplishments were working as a task force team member for remedial mathematics state assessment testing and sharing her extensive travel experiences to Europe. She retired in 1980 after 30 years experience with Brevard County Schools.

Everyone knew her as a faithful follower of Jesus and amazing prayer warrior. She and her husband became Charter Members of The Good Shepherd Wesleyan Church in 1960, where she was church pianist/organist and Sunday school teacher. She was also the secretary and treasurer of the Wesleyan Women’s Mission Society and an Advisory board member of Central Wesleyan College.

Lois Shaffer had a flair for the dramatic, whether it was a little bit of Irish wit or funny facial expressions, she believed a good laugh could divert many catastrophes. There was a quirky way and sassiness to her that all loved and adored. Most of all Lois was a giver and sacrificial to everyone she encountered. She loved her family, grandchildren, her great grandchild, church family, teaching, playing the piano, the lunch bunch, crossword puzzles, and traveling.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Deborah & Rod Felderman, of Melbourne; grandchildren: Dena & Bill Stanley, of Melbourne and Rod Aaron Felderman, of Yokosuka, Japan, where he is stationed with the United States Navy; and a great granddaughter: Zoe Freedom Stanley and many nieces, nephews and friends. Her husband Richard Shaffer of 53 years preceded her in death July 10, 1997 along with 5 brothers: Melvin, Harland, Ward, Stanley, and Harry; 2 sisters: Donna and Norma.

A celebration of her life is planned for Tuesday November 25 at 2:00pm with a reception following for all in attendance at the Life Event Center at Florida Memorial Gardens, 5950 S. U.S. Hwy 1, Rockledge, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Nomad Community Church, 2778 N. Harbor City Blvd. Melbourne, FL 32935, with donations going to help kids in foster care.