Obituary of Nancy Shaffer

Nancy Lee Shaffer passed away Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at the age of 73. Nancy Lee Pickerell was born August 28, 1948, in Corydon Iowa, the daughter of Alva and Miller (Miller) Pickerell. She grew up in rural Iowa and graduated from high school in 1966. She landed in Iowa City in the early 70’s. It was there she met the love of her life, Steve Shaffer. They were married in Iowa City in July of 1980. Nancy and Steve have a son, Bob. Nancy spent her life advocating for Bob, making sure he got the education to which he was entitled, ensuring he had the best opportunities for drama, singing, and working. She was a tireless supporter when he experienced medical issues. Nancy had a great sense of style that developed during her career in retail as a buyer for women’s clothing. She traveled to New York City and Los Angeles for buying trips, selecting just the right fashions. She was an entrepreneur, opening a clothing store for children with her dear friend and partner, Ann Donahue called IC Kids. For the last twenty years of her career, she worked for the University of Iowa Foundation, supporting and raising money for the University. Nancy, Steve and Bob are avid University of Iowa Football FANS. Nancy and Steve attended all the home games and many away games over the past forty years. She knew all the players' names and their bios. She was the life of the party on the Hawkeye Cruises for over a decade. Her love and sense of humor will be very much missed by all. She is survived by her husband Steve; their son, Bob; very special cousin’s Danny Miller’s family, his wife, Barb; her children, Nate Miller (Maya Steinitz), Lena White and their children; cousin, Dean Miller and his family, sisters-in-law, Jan Shaffer, Kathy Cumby, Connie Shaffer, and Jane Emanuelli (Peter) and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Millie and Alva Pickerell and cousin, Danny Miller; and brothers-in-law, Kevin Cumby and Rodney Shaffer. A time for friends and family to gather to celebrate Nancy’s life in true Nancy’s Style will be from 5 to 8 pm Friday, April 29, 2022, at the Heights Rooftop Event Center of the Courtyard by Marriott located at 901 Melrose Avenue, University Heights. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Nancy’s memory to Arc of Southeast Iowa, 2620 Muscatine Avenue, Iowa City, IA 52240.