Frances P. (VanHyfte) Shafer

Frances P. Shafer, age 73 of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully after a battle with ALS, on Saturday, October 7, 2023, with her family by her side. She was born on September 26, 1950, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Harry and Rose (Foust) VanHyfte. Frances grew up in Kalamazoo. On June 7, 1969, she married Donald Shafer. She worked in dining at The Director’s Hall and St. Augustine’s Schools. While her four children were growing up, she ran a daycare in her home. She enjoyed being busy and loved cooking for all the children. Frances worked in the concessions for many years at Westwood Little League when the kids played. She was active in the Hackett Cabaret during their school years also.

Frances is survived by her children and their spouses: Joseph & Penni Shafer, Donald Shafer, John & Meghan Shafer and Amanda & Josh Diamond; her grandchildren: Kelly, Bryce, Brian, Ben, Maggie, Bella, Brayden, Kailem, Kellen, Austin, Jacob, Evan, and Isabell; her great-grandchildren, Natalie and Parker; her sisters: Cozette Miller, Vicki Taplin-Johnson and Sue (Lonnie) Taylor; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Don in 2018, her mother Rose, and her brothers-in-law, Chuck Miller and Bill Johnson.

Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, 622 S. Burdick Street, Kalamazoo, on Thursday, October 12th, with a prayer service at 7:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 AM, Friday, October 13th, at St. Augustine Cathedral, 342 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, with Father Robert Creagan presiding. A graveside service will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery 11:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Interim Healthcare Hospice, 1971 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Suite 229, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.

Please share memories of Frances with her family at www.langelands.com