Katherine "Katie" Tipton (Shaffer) McAleer

Katherine “Katie” Tipton Shaffer McAleer, 73, of Luray, Virginia, passed away peacefully at her home on June 13, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Michael McAleer and cherished daughter of the late John D. and Joanna Shaffer, Katie embraced life with warmth, wit, and unwavering generosity.

Katie’s family was her pride and greatest joy. She is survived by her brother, George Vernon Shaffer (Dorinda, deceased); her sister, Ann Shaffer Grisdale (Ernie); and her nieces and nephews: Matthew Stover Shaffer (Julie), Katherine Grisdale Klus (Matt), Mary Margaret Shaffer Kim (Joey), Leah Grisdale Boyle (Chris), Aaron Michael Grisdale (Kate), David Joseph Grisdale (Katie), and Robyn McAleer Sutton (Richard).

Katie was born in Woodstock, VA, on December 13, 1951, and was a 1970 graduate of Central High School (Woodstock, VA). Katie earned her bachelor’s degree from Erskine College in Due West, SC, in 1974. She found fulfillment working in dietary services at Shenandoah Memorial Hospital and later at Page Memorial Hospital.

On April 21, 1979, she married the love of her life, Michael, and together they built a home filled with laughter — Katie’s trademark punchlines and playful pranks kept everyone smiling. Katie and Michael spent their winters in Vero Beach, FL. She continued to winter there after he passed. An active member of Christ Episcopal Church (Luray) and Beta Sigma Phi sorority, she also spent winters volunteering at McKee Botanical Gardens in Vero Beach and supporting chimpanzee welfare through Save the Chimps.

Never one to shy from a challenge, Katie proudly represented transplant recipients in the Transplant Olympics’ swimming events, where she earned a medal and inspired all with her determination. At home, she mastered the game of bridge, convening regular games that blended strategic prowess with lighthearted banter.

The funeral will take place at Christ Episcopal Church, Luray, VA, on Saturday, June 21, with a visitation at 10 A.M. and a memorial service at 11 A.M. A reception will follow the service. Inurnment will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. at the Beahm’s Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Christ Episcopal Church, 16 Amiss Ave., Luray, VA, 22835; the UVA Health Foundation (note Kidney Research), University of Virginia, P.O. Box 37963, Boone, Iowa 50037; or a charity of your choice — continuing Katie’s lifelong gift of compassion.

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