Joan H Shafter

Joan H Shafter, of St. Augustine, passed away on January 27, 2023. She shared 70 wonderful years with her husband, the late Royce R Shafter. She was the daughter of the late Donald and Mildred (Billie) Hunsicker. She grew up in Michigan and graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught first grade in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Newport, Rhode Island; Adak, Alaska; and Fort Wayne Indiana. She was a founding member of Vestavia Junior Women’s Club in Ft. Wayne and a long-term member of PEO, Women’s Educational Philanthropic Organization. She was a private pilot and a scuba diver. Mrs. Shafter moved to Florida in late 1979.  She owned and operated “Bags and Boards”, employing her creative talents in a business aimed at tourists in St. Augustine. She was an active member of the South Ponte Vedra Association, served as secretary of the board and original member of the book club. She and her husband enjoyed traveling independently to all seven continents, Antarctica by ice-breaker, across Siberia by train and the Great Lakes and Caribbean by sailboat. Mrs. Shafter is survived by her sons, Donald (Gail) Shafter and James (Nancy) Shafter; her sister Lois Kurta; Four nieces and nephews; Four grandchildren: and Six great grandchildren (soon to be seven).

There will be a Celebration of Life in the chapel at Westminster St. Augustine on Monday, February 13 at 10:00. In lieu of flowers please contribute to the Team Member Scholarship Fund: Make checks out to WCF and mail to Tonnie Alliance, Director of Philanthropy, Westminster St. Augustine, 235 Towerview Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32092. Or contribute to the charity of your choice.