Joan Shaffer 77 of Pleasant Mount, formerly of Waymart and Newfoundland passed away peacefully on Wednesday night June 21, 2017 at home.

Born May 4, 1940 in Waymart, she is the daughter of the late Giles and Grace Swingle Shaffer. Joan was a graduate of Waymart High School and Empire Beauty School working as a cosmetologist prior to her retirement.

She was co-owner of Bucks Leathercraft in Newfoundland, and a certified Real Estate agent.

Joan studied the art of belly dancing locally with "Shehara" then at Serena Studios and Anahid of NYC and went on to be an instructor for many years.

She was an active member of the Middle Eastern Dance Educators National Association and the Belly Dancers Guild.

She was a multi-instrumentalist who loved to ballroom dance. She loved working outdoors in her garden, doing arts and crafts and spending time with her family.

She is survived by four children, Grace Karwoski of Dunmore, Christine Shell of Scranton, Geraldine McGraw and her husband John of Lakewood, and a son Frank Karwoski of Pleasant Mount, a stepson Jim Hutchins and wife Lisa of Mount Pocono, two grandchildren Stephanie Shell and Stephen Shell, nieces, nephews.

Joan was preceded in death by an infant daughter Frances, a granddaughter Candy Lea Learn, and a brother Charles "Jigsy" Shaffer.

The family would like to extend special gratitude to Joe Loughman and Jay Pollack for their support, generosity, and understanding.

Family and friends may visit on Wednesday June 28, 2017 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Jenkins Funeral Home-Edward Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA 18472

Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
Published in Wayne Independent on June 27, 2017