Obituary of Kathleen Ann Shafer

Kathleen Ann (Peters) Shafer, 70, Gulf Breeze, FL, passed away Friday July 2, 2021, following a long illness. Born in Jersey City, NJ, to William F. & Catherine (Perrone) Peters, Kathy lived most of her life in NJ before relocating to FL. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Kathy cherished and loved her family. She enjoyed traveling with her husband Paul and loved spending time with her 9 grandchildren, who affectionally called her “Nanya”. She was devout in her Catholic faith and shared this love of faith with many others around her. Her compassion and caring nature led her to over 50 years of service to others as a Registered Nurse. Her wisdom, kind-heart, and generous spirit gained her the love and respect of countless friends and colleagues. Her passion for her family, faith, and profession was incomparable. Kathy graduated from Academy of St. Aloysius in Jersey City in 1968. She graduated from Monmouth Medical School of Nursing, completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of North Florida and Master of Arts in Business Administration from Central Michigan University. Kathy served in various nursing leadership roles throughout her nursing career. She worked for Encompass Health for the last 17 years, having most recently served as South Atlantic Regional Chief Nursing Officer. In addition to her parents, Kathy was predeceased by her daughter Kristen Shafer Englert, and her brother Patrick Maio. She is survived by her loving husband Paul Shafer of 41 years, Gulf Breeze FL; daughter Alison Hucker of Fredericksburg, VA; daughter Erin Hackl and her husband Douglas, of Navarre, FL; son-in-law Kyle Englert and his wife Heather, of Bayville NJ; her beloved grandchildren, Katelyn, Kelsey, Samuel, Kylie, Abigail, Molly, Jacob, Jaxon, and Lucas; sister Beth Larson, of Toms River NJ; nieces, nephews, many cousins, and countless friends. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 9, 2021 from 4 to 7 pm at Kedz Funeral Home, 1123 Hooper Ave., Toms River. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 9:00 am at St. Joseph’s Church, 685 Hooper Ave., NJ. Burial will remain private for the family. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations in Kathy’s memory to the American Cancer Society.