Gennie Lee Shaffer

Gennie Lee Shaffer passed away peacefully on February 20, 2007 surrounded by her family. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am, Sat. Feb. 24, 2007 at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, 10017 E. 36th Terr., Independence, MO. Burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 - 10:30 am Saturday at the church. In Lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Sister Servants of Mary, C/O Sister Carmela, 800 N. 18th St., Kansas City, KS. 66102. Gennie was born in Kansas City, KS, the youngest child of Paul and Anna Sansewich. She attended St. Joseph�s Grade School and graduated from Wyandotte High School. Later she pursued a career in Modeling, working the wholesale business as well as various fashion shows, including the Kansas City Auto Show. While traveling to New York with her sister, Helen, Gennie auditioned for and accepted a modeling job with the world renowned John Robert Powers. She later returned to Kansas City and quit her job to care for her ailing father. In 1946, Gennie married the love of her life, Tom Shaffer, a love and marriage that has lasted over 60 years. She devoted her life to her husband and two sons, Dan and Ron, being a homemaker and hosting many family holiday gatherings. Although Gennie loved her home, She also enjoyed travel, especially to Las Vegas. In 1971, she returned to work at Seidens Furs, a business owned by her sons, as Secretary-Treasurer. It was at Seidens that she also made many new friends, using her charm and grace while visiting with and modeling for customers. She worked until January 30th of this year. She was a member of Nativity of Mary Catholic Church and a member of their Altar Society. She was also a member of the Honorary Board of Directors of Rockhurst University. The family wishes to extend their thanks to the Sister Servants of Mary, two special family friends, Dr. Larry Evans and Dr. Robert Marvin and a special thanks to her caring and loving personal physician, Dr. Lois J. McKinley. Gennie is preceded in death by her brother, Tom Sansewich, and her sister, Helen Pozek. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Shaffer, of the home and her sons Dan Shaffer and Ronald Shaffer of Kansas City. She is survived by a loving extended family; her sister-in-law and husband, Helen and Kenneth Schowengerdt; her niece and husband, Laura and Jerry Vernon; her niece and husband Sue and Vince Ward, as well as many other numerous nieces and nephews.