Peggy Lea Fordtran Shaffer 1927 - 2009

[Tom Estes]

Peggy Lea Fordtran Shaffer Corpus Christi, TX
		SHAFFER Peggy Lea Fordtran Shaffer died on August 29, 2009. She was born on May 11, 1927 in Bishop, Texas to Robert Lee Fordtran II and Grace Ella Fordtran. Her great grandfather was Charles Fordtran who with Frederich Ernst brought the first German Settlers to Texas in 1831 and settled in Industry, Texas. Peggy graduated from Bishop High School in 1944 and Texas A&I College in 1947 with a degree in Business Administration. That same year she married George W. Shaffer and taught commercial subjects for two years in Bishop High School. The next three years she worked at the Registrars Office at The University of Texas while George completed Law School. They moved to Corpus Christi in 1952 where she worked as secretary to the Registrar at Del Mar College. After the birth of her four children, Peggy became very active in all of their activities including Oso Little League Baseball, Boy Scout Troop 317, and school PTA's. Peggy served as the Persident of Meadowbrook Elementary PTA, Cullen Jr. High PTA, and Richard King High School PTA. Peggy was a devoted member of her churches. She was a member of St. Lukes United Methodist Church for many years and a member of St. John's United Methodist Church for the last thirty-five years. She served on many committees there including eight years on the worship committee. Peggy was particularly proud to have been a charter member of the Handbell Choir where she rang the bells for twenty-three years. She was joined in the bell choir by five grandchildren and daughter-in-law, Diana. Peggy was proud of each of her four children's achievements and successful lives. She was thrilled to see three sons and three grandsons become Eagle Scouts. The highlight of her life was to see each of her children complete their college educations at The University of Texas, Texas A&M University, UT Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas A&M Veterinary School, and St. Mary's Law School. 'Mimi' saw one granddaughter graduate from Boston College, three grandsons in progress at Rice University, North Texas University, and UT Austin as well as her other grandchildren preparing for their own academic success. 'Mimi' Peggy was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She was surrounded in love by her family and many friends including the Bishop Bunch, the Monday Lunch Bunch, the Candy Ladies, The Mall Walkers, The Crazy Ladies Bridge Club, all other fellow bridge players, and the members of St. John's and St. Lukes. Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, and husband of 57 years, George Shaffer. She is survived by one daughter, three sons and eleven grandchildren: Patricia Shaffer Perkins and her husband, Dr. Raymond C. Perkins of Tyler, Texas and their two children: Jordan and Patrick; Dr. William Shaffer and his wife, Diana of Corpus Christi and their five children: Michael, Stephen, John, Juliana, and Gabrielle; Dr. David Shaffer of Corpus Christi and his two daughters: Hannah of Tuscon, AZ and Reilly of Georgetown, Texas; James Shaffer and wife, Dayna of San Antonio, Texas and their two sons: John and Nathan; Peggy is additionally survived by one brother, Dr. Robert L. Fordtran III of Corpus Christi; niece, Caroline Bertuzzi and family: Mike, Amanda, and Alex; nephews, Robert L. Fordtran IV and Charles Fordtran and many cousins. The family would like to express their gratitude for the excellent and compassionate care given by the many dedicated medical staff and friends that attended and supported Peggy. Special thanks to Drs. Anneliese Gonzalez, Mark Kozlowsky and Timothy VanFrank; the nurses and staff at The Corpus Christi Cancer Center; caregivers, Maria Brown, Rosie Gutierrez, and Maria Mesa; and the staff of Nurses on Wheels. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Seaside Funeral Home on Monday, August 31, 2009. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at St. John's United Methodist Church with interment to follow at Seaside Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. John's United Methodist Church Building Fund or the Charity of their choice. Pallbearers: Bill Fordtran, Charles Fordtran, Robert L. Fordtran IV, Walter DeVille, Bob Boswell, and Mike Bertuzzi. Honorary Pallbearers, Gary Mendel, Wesley Plummer, Bill Lathrop, Kenneth Harlan, Kenneth Nelson, and Dr. James Walker. To view guestbook, leave condolences and share memories please visit www.seasidefuneral.com. Online Link