Obituary of Barbara J. (Shaffer) Williams

Barbara J. (Shaffer) Williams, 78 of East Vincent Township

Devoted Mother and Nana

Barbara J. (Shaffer) Williams, 78, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2017, in Phoenixville, PA, surrounded by her children.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 50 years, Thomas.

Barbara was born in Everett, PA, to the late Harry and Bess (May) Shaffer. She was the youngest of 13 children.  After graduating Everett High School, she attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. 

Barbara spent most of her adult life in the East Vincent Township area. She was a teacher in the Owen J. Roberts School District for 22 years and remained an active community volunteer. Most of all, Barbara was a constant presence in her grandchildren’s lives.

In recent years, Barbara embraced her brave and adventurous inner spirit.  She loved to travel and toured throughout the U.S. and Europe. At age 77, she completed her first skydive. Before exiting the plane at 15,000 ft., Barbara was asked if she was afraid. She smiled and calmly responded, “No.”

Barbara leaves a legacy of learning, kindness and faith to her four children: Valerie Doyle (John) of Spring City; Michael Williams (Sharon Deegan) of Chester, NJ;  April Sukanick (Dan) of Stevens; Tom Williams, Jr. (Kristin Kalis) of Pottstown; and nine grandchildren.  She is also survived by her siblings: Shirley Felton of Bedford; Frank Shaffer of Everett; Virginia Hershberger of Hudson, MA; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2017, at the Zion Lutheran Church, Spring City, PA.  A funeral service will immediately follow with the Rev. Paul Townsend officiating.  Burial will take place in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery. 

 In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 (www.cancer.org), Zion Lutheran Church, 39 Bonnie Brae Rd., Spring City, PA, 19475 or Spring City Public Library, 245 Broad St., Spring City, PA 19475.

 Shalkop, Grace & Strunk Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online tributes can be made at www.sgsfuneralhome.com.