Nancilee (Menzie) Shafer

Nancy (Fritz) Shafer, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2022. She was born in Fort Wayne, Ind. to the late Janet and Thompson Menzie. She  graduated from Central High School in 1964, and spent many years waiting tables and tending bar, which she said were her favorite jobs. In June 1975, she married Steve Shafer, gaining two bonus daughters, Sondra Falcone and Stephanie (Joe) Johnson, all of Fort Wayne. Nancy and Steve then had Suzann (Dean) VanNasdale of Columbus, Ohio, completing their blended family.

For many years, Nancy served the City of Fort Wayne's Engineering Department and as President of the Machinist Union with over 300 members. Her family moved to Michigan in 1993; Nancy retired as the Office Manager of Washtenaw Farmers Oil in 2004. After moving back to Fort Wayne, Nancy was co-owner of Tailgators Bar & Grill on the south side. 

In retirement, she enjoyed phone calls with her friends and family, watching cable news and IU basketball, staying current on the happenings in politics and civil rights. Her greatest joy was having grandchildren to spoil, to whom she will always be Momo. Anyone with the privilege of knowing Nancy was clear about her feelings toward them, and those she loved, she did so fiercely. Her belief in cheering for the underdog and advocating for those with no power was unwavering.

In addition to her spouse and children, she leaves those behind to honor her memory, including: grandsons, Parker and Paxton VanNasdale; her dearest niece, Karen Taylor; her uncle, Al (Betty) Bowser; many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Thompson, Janet, and Edward; her siblings, Sharon Tigges, Barbara Taylor, John Menzie, and Eddie Fritz; her beloved aunt, Pat Bloomfield; her son-in-law, Sheridan Falcone; her best friend, Suzanne VanNasdale; and her furry babies Matzi, Niki, Rusty, Sebastian, and Bubba. 

A memorial will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, August 13, 2022 at The Garden, 3308 N. Anthony Blvd., with a celebration of life following until 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations in her memory are requested to Lettuce Work, 14985 Fancher Rd., New Albany (OH 43054) or Pathways to Independence of Central Ohio, 6400 Huntley Road, Columbus (OH 43229).

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