Obituary

Shaffer, Kathleen Diane 66, Conemaugh, died peacefully on March 22, 2019, in Arlington, VA.  Born February 21, 1953, in Johnstown, PA, daughter of the late Nicholas and Betty (Gustkey) Berkich.  Preceded in death by husband, Richard Wayne Shaffer and brother, Nicholas C. Berkich.  Survived by children, daughter, Sharon Lee Shaffer, Alexandria, VA; daughter, Holly Marie Mamo, married to Endale Mamo, Alexandria, VA; and son, Nicholas John Shaffer, Conemaugh, PA; Grandson, Isaiah Nicholas Mamo, Alexandria, VA; sister, Sharon Lee Gossard, Burns, TN; brother, Mark D. Berkich, Johnstown, PA; sister, Tracy Lynn Berkich, Johnstown, PA; and sister-in-law, Deborah E. (Fitz) Berkich, Johnstown, PA.  Also survived by God-father, George E. Kuzmiak, Conemaugh, PA and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins.  Kathleen was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. She was a 1972 graduate of Conemaugh Valley High School.  She enjoyed being a majorette of the Greater Johnstown Blue Devils.  Kathleen was a Registered Nurse and worked at the Allegheny Lutheran Home, where she met her loving husband.  She enjoyed mentoring and advising students at the Conemaugh Valley High School, where she worked as the majorette, flag, and color-guard instructor for 25 years.  Kathleen also enjoyed volunteering for 16 years at the Fort Belvoir Elementary School in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia and at Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria, Virginia.  She was also a very talented and crafty individual who loved making things look beautiful.  Most of her time was spent doing what she loved and enjoyed, being a mother and grand-mother. Friends received from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Thursday, March 28 at Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., 1521 Frankstown, Rd. and again at Zion Lutheran on Friday March 29, 2019 from 10 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11 AM, the Rev. Michael VanDyke, officiating.  Committal at Forest Lawn Cemetery.  Those who wish to make memorial contributions to the family can be sent to Sharon Shaffer, 7709 Haynes Point Way, Unit D, Alexandria, VA 22315. Arrangements in care of Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., 1521 Frankstown, Rd., exclusive provider of “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.”  Condolences may be made at HindmanFuneralHomes.com.