Julia Kay Shaffer

Julia K. Shaffer Lansing, Michigan Julia K. Shaffer passed on peacefully on September 4, 2013, from complications of multiple sclerosis, from which she suffered for over 20 years. She resided at The Pines Healthcare Center in Lansing. Julia was born on September 17, 1956, to John and Elizabeth (Hamilton) Shaffer. She grew up in Olivet, graduated from Olivet High School, attended Olivet College, and graduated from Central Michigan University. Julia married in 1978; the marriage ended in divorce in 2003. Julia lived and worked in Michigan and then settled in Ohio, working for the school system in Dublin, a suburb of Columbus, for 18 years. In 2002 she returned to Michigan. While in Ohio she was instrumental in doing an accessibility study to ensure that all buildings in the Dublin school system were accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. She also gave presentations to middle school students to educate them on how people with disabilities manage the tasks of everyday living. In 2003, Julia began writing a book, using voice-activated software because she could no longer type. Entitled Angel with Attitude: Living with Multiple Sclerosis or Other Diseases/Disabilities with Courage, Humor, and Attitude, the book was published in 2008. Julia will be remembered for her care for others, her sense of humor, her ever-optimistic attitude, and her unwavering strength. She is survived by her sisters, Ann (Pete) Wade and Jean (Bill) Blair; nephew Peter (Tami) Wade and their children Matthew, Sarah, and Stephanie; niece Susan (Jim) Grant; niece Amy Blair (Kirk Pruett); and nephew Jeremy Blair. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2013, at 2:00 P.M. at the Olivet Congregational Church, 125 College St., Olivet. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Pines Healthcare Center, 707 Armstrong Rd., Lansing, MI 48911. Arrangements by Burkhead-Green Funeral Home, Charlotte. www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com