Eileen M. Shafer

In Loving Memory of Eileen Mary Shafer (Gabso)

Eileen Mary Shafer (Gabso), loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, 85, passed away with her family by her side on April 2, 2024, in Albany, New York. She is predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Raymond F. Shafer, Jr and her son, James Love (Tina).

Eileen and her husband shared 57 years before his death in 2022 and recently called Glenville, New York, home. In his absence, she kept busy with weekend family visits, knitting, and crocheting, even teaching the boys her skills! She could cook and bake like a professional and, at the end of the day, found peace and rest with her guardian cat, Sasha. Technology could sometimes be a challenge for Eileen, but it did not stop her from texting and calling her family.

Eileen's deep compassion and grace toward family and friends stemmed from her dedication to nursing and caring for others. In 1985, she earned her LPN license from Albany Medical Center Nursing and dedicated five years to working as an LPN. Her commitment to healthcare continued, and by 1991, at the age of 53, she became a Registered Nurse after graduating from Sage Junior College of Albany (presently Russell Sage College), marking another milestone in her remarkable career.  She enjoyed working at Albany Medical Center in the Critical Care Unit until her retirement.

The thought of Eileen, with her wild tales and life adventures, inevitably brings a smile to your face. She possessed a remarkable talent for connecting deeply with her family and friends. To her, family was the utmost, and she took immense pride in the achievements of her children and grandchildren; Renee, Tracy, Skylar, Nicole, Alicia, Brandon, Meghan, Danny, Tonya, Jimmy, Christine, Nick, T.J., Cameron

Eileen is survived by her children, Anthony (Angel), Katrina (Shafer) Westfall (Dave), Timothy Shafer (Julia), Dan Love (Marybeth), Mike Love (Jim), Ray Shafer (David), and Kelly Shafer Bagnato (Enry). Eileen was blessed with two special ‘brothers,’ John (Jock) Ward and predeceased by Barry Ward.

A funeral service will be held 12 noon on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave, Rotterdam, NY 12306. Calling hours are from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Burial will immediately follow at Schenectady Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York Schenectady Walk: http://act.alz.org/goto/ForMomNDad in Eileen's name.

Online remembrances may be made at demarcostonefuneralhome.com