Dorothy Shaffer, 91, of Uniontown, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 4, 2026, surrounded by the deep, joyful love of her family. Her loved ones are comforted in their grief by the great fortune they had to be loved by her extraordinary soul.

In recent days, Dorothy has been described by those who knew her in these terms: “the strongest woman I ever knew”, “a fighter”; “a true lady”; “a delight.”

Dorothy lived in Uniontown her whole life, born in Oliver to the late Michael and Frances (Stepanik) Hanzes on May 8, 1935. She was a proud coal-miner’s daughter, and graduated from North Union High School in 1953.

Dorothy met the love of her life, Thomas J. Shaffer, while she was working at Metzler's department store. They married in 1956, and put their tight-knit family at the center of their 57 years of marriage, until his passing in 2014. She worked with Tom at Medical Pharmacy, which he owned and operated. Her keen eye for style served her customers well at the Bon-Ton, where she also worked for several decades.

In addition to her parents and husband, Dorothy was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Ann Pierce, and brother, Michael Hanzes. She is survived by her three children: Suzie Carothers (Dave), Jamie Gonzales (Louis), and Tom Shaffer (Judy); six grandchildren, who called her “Mimi”: Sara, Brian, Benjamin, Georgia, Joel and Kyle; great-grandchildren Bosun and Kent; cherished nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren, great-nieces and great-nephews; and her beloved sister and best friend, Evelyn Hensh, and devoted brother-in-law Paul.

After a diagnosis of ovarian cancer at the age of 60, Dorothy was determined to live to see her then-young grandchildren grow up. Over the next 30 years and through four more cancer diagnoses, she celebrated countless graduations, weddings, beach vacations, holidays and happy hours with her large and loving family, often with her signature BV. She was relentlessly positive throughout her cancer treatments and was a source of inspiration for others, participating in several Relay for Life events with her extended family.

When asked what was her secret to living such a long and happy life, Dorothy would firmly advise you to “keep going, never give up, and have faith.” A member of St. Therese Church, Dorothy’s Catholic faith was a source of strength throughout her long life. She prayed daily for those she loved and served as a eucharistic minister for many years.

Dorothy loved to have a good time, famously hosting lively get-togethers at her home. She always marveled at the beauty of the moon and the flowers in her garden. She loved Uniontown, and was regularly seen around town with her sister Evelyn by her side.

Visitation will be held at the Stephen R. Haky Funeral Home, 603 N. Gallatin Ave. Ext., Uniontown, on Friday, October 9th from 2 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held by her dear friend Father Ron Simboli on Saturday, October 10th at 10 a.m. at St. Therese Church, 61 Mill St., Uniontown. Interment will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Amedysis Hospice, especially to staff members Miranda and Martha, who cared so lovingly for Dorothy and gave her the gift of comfortable, meaningful time with family at home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Dorothy’s name to Amedysis Hospice Care, 649 Cherry Tree Ln., Uniontown, PA 15401 or to St. Therese Church. The family welcomes your personal written tributes and memories at www.hakyfuneralhome.com.