Patricia (Skuta) Shaffer

Patricia Ann (Skuta) Shaffer, 77, of Murrysville, passed away Thursday, November 30, 2023, at her home. She was born August 1, 1946, in Natrona Heights, daughter of the late Martin and Helen (Steets) Skuta. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Theodore Shaffer, a brother, John Martin (Constance) Skuta; a nephew, Travis Max Miller, and a niece, Mary Jo Teske.

 Pat was a 1964 graduate of Tarentum High School. She was certified and worked as a Real Estate Broker for many years. Experiencing Rotary while accompanying her past District Governor husband, Ted, to Rotary events brought a respect and love for the tenets of the organization. After Ted's passing, she joined Rotary. Performing "Service above self" (The Rotary motto) brought Pat such joy and satisfaction in helping others, both locally and abroad, that she immersed herself into Rotary, receiving many awards for her diligence, performance and enthusiasm. Receiving the Citation for Meritorious Service Award from Rotary International was an immense honor. Holding many positions in her district, Pat's main focus was being the District Polio Chairperson. Two trips to India for NID, (National Immunization Days) supplied numerous experiences, and revived memories of the horrors of what polio did to children in the USA when she was young. This knowledge, Pat presented to many clubs and helped raise money to help eradicate polio from the world, a task not yet complete. 

A generous person, Pat was a philanthropist to many causes, both religious and secular. Brothers Brother is one cause that she especially supported, not only financially, but also by creating and implementing a Rotary Club Project, the year she was club President, to collect and recycle used medical equipment to Brothers Brother for domestic and world distribution. 

Pat loved meeting and working with other like-minded people who became the best kind of friends. She was never lonely. A life very well lived helping others is evidenced in the many friends who became family, relatives, and acquaintances who genuinely respect, love, and miss her already. Pat leaves this life a better place because of the work she has done. Pat was a rock star in life. 

Pat is survived by her sister, Mary Kay Skuta Miller; six nieces and nephews, H. Samuel (Rebecca) Miller, Christine Skuta, Marty Skuta, Michael Skuta, Richard (Donna) Skuta, Doug Teske; six great nieces and nephews, Gabriella, Laura, Max, Ryan, Andrew (Eleni) and Brett. She is also survived by two step-grandchildren, Elizabeth (Donall) Kenny, Jennifer (Robert) Page; and seven step-great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Rotary Foundation for the eradication of Polio, 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693, or by visiting www.rotary.org. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 7, 2023, and from 2 to 4 and from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 8, 2023, at Hart Funeral Home, Inc. A Funeral Mass will be held 9:30 a.m. Saturday, December 9, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Export. Interment will be private at Greenwood Memorial Park. For online condolences, please visit www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com. 

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