In Memoriam: Julia Shaffer (1922-2024)

Julia Ann Shaffer, nee Dell, passed away October 20, 2024 in Ocala, Florida, at the age of 101. She was born December 26, 1922 in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Julia practiced nurse anesthesia in Fairmont, West Virginia; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Huntington, West Virginia; and Iron Mountain, Michigan.

Julia graduated from the nursing program Fairmont General Hospital, Fairmont, West Virginia. Julia continued her education, attending the CRNA program at Fairmont General Hospital. She was a member of the first graduating class of the Fairmont CRNA program. She took her board exam in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and became the first nurse anesthetist in the state of West Virginia.

Julia and her husband Paul Shaffer, moved several times over the years. The Shaffers often vacationed in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where they enjoyed boating. They enjoyed boating in the many parts of the country where they lived… on rivers, lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. Julia and her husband retired to Boca Raton, Florida in the 1980s and moved to Ocala, Florida in 2008.

Julia was predeceased by her husband Paul Shaffer. She is survived by a daughter, Sherry (Bill) Smith; nephews Michael Widugiris, George (Brenda) Widugiris, Mark (Mary) Shaffer; and a niece, Christine (Duane) Yenchek.

Julia is interred, along wither husband Paul at the Florida National Cemetery at Bushnell, Florida.