Catherine L. (Cook) Schaffer, age 66, of Shelby, died Thursday, October 10, 2024 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital.
Born July 25, 1958 in Mansfield, Catherine was the daughter of the late Roger Dale and Margie L. (Smith) Cook. A 1976 graduate of Crestview High School, her education was furthered through numerous opportunities including a master’s degree. Her career was spent with the U.S. Department of Defense where she served as the director of various accounting departments within Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS). She retired on November 1, 2014.
Catherine’s hobbies have been extensive and varied through various stages of her life. A constant was horses- she always loved having horses and raising them. Additionally, she enjoyed flower gardening, had a vast collection of Longaberger baskets, and was fortunate to be able to travel all over the world.
Catherine’s love for her family was evident and time spent with them was cherished. Her survivors include her son: Tim (Shannon) McCallister of Shelby; step-son: David (Missy) Schaffer of Mansfield; grandchildren: Emma McCallister, Sierra (Austin) Barcroft, Skyler Schaffer; siblings: Debra Roberts of Mansfield, Carol Diana (Jeff) Roza of Ontario, and Michael (Karen) Cook of Shelby; nieces and nephews: Cathy Lynn (Brad) Barciz, Roger (Lynn) McGinnis, Steven McGinnis, Tara Roberts, Michael (Colleen) Cook, Jr., and Stephanie (Derek) Hagberg; and other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Catherine was preceded in death by her husband of 25 years, Robert Dean “Bob” Schaffer, on December 17, 2023 and nephew, Paul Michael Roberts.
Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will immediately follow at 7 pm. Burial and graveside services will be on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 11 am at Ganges Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate).
Condolences may be left on Catherine’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
To view Catherine’s tribute video, click here: Catherine’s tribute video.
We are so sorry! She is at peace. Sending hugs and prayers to everyone.
So sorry to hear this! Sending prayers and love to the family! Aunt Cathy will be missed
Love Lisa metz
Prayers and love to the family. I worked with her a small diner. She will be missed.
It saddens me greatly to learn of Cathy’s passing. I learned so much from her both while I worked for her at DFAS and later in life. She was a great lady, who was always happy to help her family and friends. I always appreciated her down to earth nature and more so, her advice. I understand she has suffered for a good while now from recent conversations with her and only find solace, and hope others are able as well, in that is she is now at peace.
Aunt Cathy was truly a remarkable woman. I loved her so much. She will be missed by many. I know she is at peace now with the love of her life. What a blessing and a strong woman she was.
To Cathy’s family–my heart and love go out to you.She was the best boss I ever had, and was a good friend as well. Although we lost touch over the last few years, I will never forget her kindness, her intelligence, her strength and her love. I know she is in a better place, with Bob, and her horses. You are missed, dear Cathy!!
My heart breaks that we lost a wonderful woman and friend. Cathy was an amazing manager and Director who was willing to share her knowledge.
You will be greatly missed
So very sorry to hear!!! What an amazing person and friend Cathy was! My condolences for the whole family!
To Cathy’s family-you have my deepest sympathies. Many of us that worked for her are so grateful to be part of her work family. We share your loss. She was a great boss and leader that cared about her employees and the customers we supported. She will be missed. Sending prayers for your peace and comfort.