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Carolyn J. Shafer, 83, a longtime resident of Toms River, NJ passed away peacefully Saturday, September 5, 2026.
Carol was born in Hepburn Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania July 24, 1943 to the late John Harold Shafer and Mildred Viola Kyle Shafer.
Carol was the youngest daughter and was predeceased by each of the "older Shafer Girls" including Margie Hartman (Walter), Bea Phillips (James), Dorothy London (Joe), and Miriam Shoup (Robert).
Carol graduated from Williamsport High School and Eastern College class of 1965. She was devoted to and is lovingly survived by her son, Kyle Manuel Shafer and many nieces and nephews. She will be remembered as a regular at the applebutter boiling and family reunion in Shafer's Memorial Grove in Cogan Station, Pennsylvania. She was an active member of Toms River Quaker Meeting.
Carolyn studied and trained in religious studies at Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Indiana, receiving her Master of Divinity degree in 1991. She served as hospital chaplain in Troy, Ohio and Toms River, New Jersey where she also worked as counselor in public schools in Philadelphia and Ocean County College.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation at the Ryan Funeral Home on November 14. The gathering begins at Noon and will be followed by a more formal sharing of memories and stories scheduled for 12:30 p.m. The Ryan Funeral Home is located at 995 Fischer Blvd in Toms River, New Jersey, 08753. Phone is 782-288-2000.