Linda L. Shafer
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In the 3 o'clock hour on the morning of August 6, 2022, Linda Lou Shafer found peace and joy as she entered into the gates of heaven. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Linda was born in Defiance, OH to Betty Jane and Jack Edwards Cummings. Upon the end of World War II, Linda finally met her father at age 3 who had left for war shortly after his wife had become pregnant. Linda was an only child.
Throughout her childhood years, Linda spent time and developed an incredible bond with her mother and her grandparents, especially her grandmother (Mimi). Her father Jack, who was a chemist, moved his family closer to work in Bowling Green, OH where Linda attended Bowling Green public schools up until her junior year. Linda's mother suffered a chronic illness which prompted her family to move back to Defiance, OH to be closer to family. She finished her junior and senior years and graduated from Defiance High School. She met the love of her life, "her boy" John, while soaping car windows and pranking friends. Although it may have been awkward at the time, it was fate that Linda was caught by John soaping his brother's car which he was driving that evening. Their paths continued to cross and finally they started dating. The couple was married on September 30, 1966. Linda adored John and loved caring for him. She was by his side when he received the amazing gift of life his new heart, he survived various cancers, 40 days on the ventilator and 5 months in rehabilitation when he survived Covid Pneumonia.
The couple had two children, Andrew John and Megan Lynne, and raised their family in Defiance, OH, and Waterville, OH. Linda's first employment was for Defiance High School as a school secretary and then for Johns Manville. She was a fabulous homemaker, however as anyone who knew Linda, could not stay home for long. She then worked for GTE Valenite followed by SeaGate Plastics. She made lifelong friends at work and loved being with people.
Linda had the gift of gab and an open heart to easily make connections with people, even complete strangers. She was well known in her neighborhood and enjoyed helping her neighbors by serving on the HOA board and planting flowers at the entrance of their subdivision. Linda was an avid gardener and loved getting her fingers dirty. Mowing the yard twice a week was not uncommon as she enjoyed being outside and always wanted her yard and landscaping to stand tall.
Linda had amazing friends whom she loved spending time with golfing, grabbing dinner, decorating the Maumee United Methodist Church alter, or just talking. Her faith was deep and she loved reading the Bible and reciting scriptures. She always had a book in hand and was a phenomenal cook; soups and sheet pan dinners being her current favorites. Decorating their house and helping others decorate gave her such joy.
Spending time with family, her grandkids, and grand pups was a must. Linda (Mimi) wouldn't miss an opportunity to watch the grandkids play sports, talk or FaceTime on the phone, and work on projects together. Every day she watched her grand pups whom she loved deeply.
Linda will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She is now with her Mom and Dad, her Mimi, and surrounded by her Heavenly family. Her wish for us would be to make a positive connection with a neighbor, a new friend, a family member, or even a stranger. Have a meaningful conversation and share kindness and joy.
Surviving Linda is her husband John, children Andy (Kristen), Megan (Steve) and grandchildren Elle Malczewski, Addison Shafer, Morgan Malczewski and Ansley Shafer.
Family and friends will be received at Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant Street, Maumee, OH on Sunday, August 21, 2022, from 4-8 pm. A Celebration of Life Service will be celebrated at Maumee United Methodist Church, 405 Sackett Street, Maumee, OH on Monday, August 22, 2022, from 11-Noon with a luncheon to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Life Connection of Ohio.
We hold you in our heart until we can hold you in heaven. We know you are picking violets in heaven. We love you Linda-Mom-Mimi!