Shirley Shaffer

Shirley (Rhodes) Shaffer, age 82, of Watkins Glen, NY, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026, at Chemung County Nursing Facility in Elmira, NY.

Shirley was born on July 17, 1943, in Montour Falls, NY, to the late Norris and Mildred (Harrington) Rhodes. Shirley worked in several industries over the course of her life, including retail in Watkins Glen, NY, which included Walmart, and as an event coordinator at Edgewater Casino in Laughlin, NV. Her adventures also took her to California, Florida, and Arizona, before returning to Montour Falls in her later years. She volunteered locally at the Schuyler County Historical Society, and in 2002, took great pride in her baptism at the South Corning United Methodist Church, where she vowed to love the Lord through her service to those around her.

Shirley had a great love for her family and friends. She never had children of her own, but was considered an adoptive parent by many of her nieces and nephews. She was an avid crafter, cook, storyteller, hostess, collector of spoons and thimbles, lover of cars and motorcycles, and intrepid traveler. She also had a love of décor, outfitting her homes beautifully. Shirley was also quite famous for her homemade potato salad, as well as her heart of gold, thoughtful and kind nature, and her boisterous laugh that would light up any room.

Shirley is predeceased by her parents; her loving husband of 25 years, Lloyd Shaffer; beloved companion of over 20 years, Patrick McDaniel; and numerous cousins from both the Rhodes and Harrington families that will miss her dearly. Shirley is now with the Lord, and her family knows that she is laughing with joy because she is with all of the wonderful family and friends that went before her.

There will be no services at this time.