Dansville, NY – Patsy (Pat) Dewey Shafer, age 89, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Pat was a beloved mother, grandmother, educator, coach, and dedicated community member whose legacy lives on in the lives she touched.

She is survived by her children: Kathleen Cali (Steven Cali), Valerie Shafer (Brian Cairns), Lynn Shafer Willner (Peter Willner), and Jim Shafer (Marcela Bragagnolo); and by her grandchildren: Nicholas, Joseph, Philip, Andre, Naomi, Alexandra, Samantha, Juliet, and Nico. She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Jack Shafer, and by her sisters, Barbara Dewey and Susan Ville.

Born on December 22, 1935, in Churchville, NY, Pat was the daughter of George and Dorothy (Crandall) Dewey. She graduated from Kendall High School as salutatorian and went on to earn her degree from Brockport State Teachers College. She began her teaching career in Carthage, NY, before settling in Dansville, where she taught physical education for over two decades.

Pat's passion for youth development extended far beyond the classroom. She was a devoted member of the Dansville United Methodist Church, where she co-founded the church's preschool program in the 1960s. She coached the Dansville Chrysler Plymouth youth Cinderella softball team to several league championships, inspiring generations of young athletes.

In 1975, Pat began coaching the girls' junior varsity basketball team at Dansville High School. The following year, she was named varsity coach—a role she held for 17 years. Her dedication and leadership culminated in an unforgettable undefeated season and a Livingston County championship in 1980. Even after retiring from her teaching position, Pat remained involved in athletics, continuing to coach the modified girls' basketball team. In 2023, she was honored with induction into the Dansville Mustangs Athletic Wall of Fame.

Outside of education and coaching, Pat led a vibrant and well-rounded life. She enjoyed reading, golfing, camping, playing competitive bridge, gardening, and traveling. As an avid golfer, she served as President of the Brae Burn Women's Golf Association, helping foster community among her fellow golf enthusiasts. She was also an active volunteer, lending her time to the Noyes Hospital Gift Shop and the Community Food Pantry.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 18, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hindle Funeral Home, 271 Main St Dansville NY. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, July 19, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Dansville United Methodist Church, 5 Chestnut Ave. Dansville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Pat Shafer may be made to Doctors Without Borders or the

Vincent House (Wayland, NY), organizations she supported and believed in.