Damaris Lee Shaffer

On Friday, June 7, 2024, Damaris Lee Shaffer of Centerville, Ohio, passed peacefully after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Born to Beatrice and Daniel DeBruyne on December 7th, 1942, in Newark, New York, Damaris led a life centered on her love of family. 

Following her graduation from Newark High School, Damaris pursued her passion for fashion and attended the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. While working at Sibley's Department Store, Damaris met the love of her life, Charles (Chuck) Shaffer.  A beautiful 1920’s lakefront cottage on Keuka Lake was the perfect engagement “ring” when Chuck proposed to Damaris.  The two were married on September 7, 1974 and welcomed their children John and Elizabeth (Liz) in the following years. 

In 1984, the Shaffer family made Centerville, Ohio their home, but their summers continued to be spent at the cottage on Keuka Lake, the epicenter of the Shaffer family memories. 

 Throughout her life, Damaris was known for her impeccable taste, earning her the nickname "Martha" (as in Martha Stewart), from those who knew her well. Damaris enjoyed hosting and being surrounded by her family, as she welcomed friends and loved ones into her home and at the lake. 

Dedicated to her family above all, Damaris found her greatest joy in the role of a grandmother, lovingly known as "Nana" to her grandchildren Charlotte (Charlee), Alexander (Alex), and Samantha (Sam) Redlin. Her days were best spent taking them for ice cream, mornings at the pancake house, and playing cards with them. 

Damaris was an avid gardener, who took pride in her weed-free yard and enjoyed the camaraderie of her gardening club. She especially loved traveling and playing Mahjong with her Quail Run girlfriends. 

Damaris is preceded in death by her parents Daniel and Beatrice, her brother Richard, sister Kathy, and her beloved husband Chuck. She is survived by her loving son John Shaffer, daughter Liz (Nick) Redlin, grandchildren Charlee, Alex, and Sam Redlin, numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of friends who treasured her presence. 

Memorial services to celebrate the life and legacy of Damaris Lee Shaffer will be held at Weldon Funeral Home in Penn Yan, New York on Thursday, July 11^TH. Family will receive visitation from 1-2 with services immediately to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association.