Dorothy Mae Shaffer

With faith in the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we announce that Dorothy Mae Shaffer entered eternal life on June 12, 2026, at the age of three months.

Known affectionately as “Dorothy Dot” by big sister Zelie, little Dorothy was sweet, snuggly, and a beacon of light to all who had the immense pleasure of meeting her.

Shortly after Dorothy’s birth on March 13, 2026, Owen and Anna Grace were given the great honor of being chosen as her forever family. The name Dorothy Mae — meaning “Gift of God” — was given in honor of great-grandmother, Dorothy Buckley (“Dottie”, to many), and Saint Dorothea of Caesarea.

Despite numerous medical challenges, Dorothy faced them with a peace that surpassed understanding, which inspired everyone around her. She was deeply loved & supported by her family, parish community, medical team, and many others who followed her journey with the Shaffers.

Dorothy is survived by parents, Owen and Anna Grace Shaffer; adoring siblings, Zelie Ray and Ephrem James Shaffer; grandparents, Timothy Sr. and Lynn Marie Buckley, James and Deborah Shaffer; great-grandmother, Grace Reinhardt; and by her doting aunts and uncles, Liam and Karlee Shaffer, Sarah and Mitchell Pollard, Tim Buckley and Kylie Treiber (and their soon-to-be-born baby girl). Dorothy is also survived by numerous biological family members, including her loving birth mother, who so bravely & generously entrusted Dorothy to the Shaffers, for which Owen and Anna Grace will be eternally grateful.

She was preceded in death by six additional brothers and sisters, Owen and Anna Grace's children lost before birth: Cecilia James, Giana Pio, Joan Francis, Nektarios Mary, Jude Macrina, and Maura Matthew. We can only imagine with immense joy the welcome they offered Dorothy into Heaven.

Funeral services will be held at St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church on Friday, June 19th at 10:00AM, with burial following at St. Nicholas Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at St. Nicholas Church. All are welcome to attend, celebrate Dorothy’s life, and pray for her intercession.

We invite everyone attending the funeral to wear white or bright colors in celebration of Dorothy’s entrance into eternal life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church or Caring for Kids, the agency which aided the Shaffers in adopting both Ephrem and Dorothy.

Dorothy’s life, though short, continues to bear abundant fruit and reveal the reality of God’s love & closeness. Through the prayers of this tiny, radiant, and powerful new intercessor, we are filled with hope and await the abundant graces the Lord will surely pour out in her name. Though our hearts ache at her absence, the immense gift of her life makes it possible to bear the sorrow of her loss. We are forever grateful for the gift of Dorothy Mae and comforted in the knowledge that she now resides eternally in the arms of Christ Jesus, in perfect communion with the One who makes all things new.

Further up and further in, Dottie Mae. We will meet you there. 

Blessed repose and eternal memory.