Phyllis H. Shafer

Phyllis Helene Shafer (Kaplan), 88, passed away on October 10, 2026, leaving behind a family who adored her and countless people whose lives were brighter because she was in them.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on August 7, 1938, to her deceased parents, Estelle and Harold Kaplan, Phyllis was the loving older sister of Hinda and Alan. Throughout her life, she had a gift for making people feel welcome, cared for, and loved. No one was a stranger to Phyllis for long. Wherever she went, she made friends, finding something good in everyone and always offering a kind word. Those who knew her will remember her warmth, generosity, and the remarkable way she made room in her heart for others.

To her children, she was simply the best mom in the world. Phyllis worked full-time while running a bustling household that, at one point, included seven children, three dogs, and a cat. Somehow, she still made dinner every night, set the table for breakfast, and made sure lunches or lunch money were ready for school the next day. She did it all without complaint, giving her family the comfort and security of knowing they were always cared for.

Cooking was one of the many ways Phyllis showed her love. She collected recipes, fed everyone, and made sure there was always a place at her table. Her care extended far beyond her own family; looking after others came naturally to her, both at home and throughout her more than 30 years as an operating room nurse. In her 50s, she returned to school at the University of Maryland to earn her bachelor’s degree in administration, bringing the same dedication to her education that she brought to every part of her life.

Phyllis loved her many pets, bowling, playing mahjong, solving crossword puzzles, collecting new recipes, and watching game shows and cooking channels. She also enjoyed traveling, especially the opportunity to sample foods from different places and meet people from all walks of life.

Above all, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She supported their interests, celebrated their accomplishments, and loved them through every stage of their lives. Whether something was big or small, if it mattered to them, it mattered to her.

Phyllis leaves behind her son, Adam, and his spouse, Jana; her son, Rob; her daughter, Diana, and her spouse, Dann; her sister, Hinda; and her brother, Alan. She was the cherished grandmother of Tess, Rachel, Jeremy, Brett, Abby, Corryn, Mark, Quinn, Jordan, and Hayden, and the beloved great-grandmother of Molli, Charlie, and Benjamin. She was also loved by her stepson, Billy; her stepdaughter, Donna; and many nieces, nephews, and their families. In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 46 years, Bill; her eldest child, Greg; and her stepdaughter, Linda.

Phyllis was loved dearly because she loved so generously. Her family will carry her with them, and always be reminded of the kindness she offered to others. They will miss her beyond words, but they will always know how fortunate they were to be loved by her.

Services will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, October 15, 2026 in the Chapel of the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA 17202 with Rabbi Marshal Klaven officiating. Burial will follow in Quincy Cemetery, Quincy, PA.

The family will receive friends a half-hour prior to the service Thursday morning in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Mason Dixon Nurse Honor Guard, 1943 Mountain Road, Mercersburg, PA 17236.

Online condolences may be expressed at geiselfuneralhome.com.