Mary Joan "Joanne" Shafer's Obituary
Big Rapids -Mary Joan "Joanne" Shafer, 85, of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, June 4, 2018, after a lengthy illness, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born March 18, 1933 in Big Rapids, the daughter of Dominic and Ann (Byrnes) Doyle. Joanne attended grade school at St. Mary Catholic School, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1951. Following her graduation, Joanne started working in the office of Wolverine World Wide, retiring in 1989 after 38 years of service.
Joanne was the "Very Favorite Aunt" to all her nieces and nephews. She never missed a birthday, sending a card with a stick of gum "Juicy Fruit", "Big Red", or "Teaberry" enclosed. She also sent other birthday, get well, wedding, or just hello cards to friends. Joanne loved to cook and bake, and made numerous goodies for the church bake sale.
On April 22, 1972, she married Earl "Bud" Shafer, Jr., at St. Mary Church, and he preceded her in death on March 20 of this year. Joanne is survived by 2 brothers, John (Nancy) Doyle of Big Rapids, and Larry (Loie) Doyle of Grandville; 3 sisters,, Kathleen (Richard) Cramer of Stanwood, Jean Ulrich of Big Rapids and Louise Cox of Bristow, OK; her sister-in-law Barbara Hoaglund of Luther; and many nieces and nephews of both loving families. She was also preceded in death by her brother- and sister-in-law James and Donna Doyle, brothers-in-law Dan Hoaglund, Richard Ulrich, and Norman Cox; and nephews John McHugh and David Wilson.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 9, 2018, at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Father Jegar Fickel as celebrant. Burial will follow in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Big Rapids. Joanne's family will greet friends at the church on Friday, June 8, from 5-8 p.m., and after 10 a.m. on Saturday. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joanne's name may be made for the St. Mary Parish Center Roof Fund, or Spectrum Health Hospice.
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