Barbara Jeanne Shaffalo, 86, formerly of Aliquippa and Bluffton, South Carolina, passed away on May 8th, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford. She was born and raised in Aliquippa and lived a life marked by devotion to her family and kindness to others. She was the daughter of the late William and Mary (Mazzocca) Helterbran. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond J. Shaffalo, Jr., whom she married on September 23rd, 1961, at St. Titus Catholic Church in Aliquippa. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Wilma Evans, Dorothy Merriman and William Helterman. These family ties remained an important part of her life.
She is survived by her daughters, Susan L. Brock and Deborah A. Neill, who were a source of great pride and joy to her. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Mitchell Brock, Ashley (Neill) Weisend & Brandon Weisend, Eric & Kylee Neill; as well as two great grandchildren, Lany Weisend & Maveric Neill, her brother-in-law, Ronald Shaffalo and her sisters-in-law, Georgia Shaffalo and Linda Francani.
Barbara was a 1958 graduate of Aliquippa High School who began her working life as a data entry operator for J. & L. Steel Corporation, later known as LTV Steel, in Aliquippa. She later served in the Human Resources Department of the Beaver County Courthouse. She was a former member of All Saints Episcopal Church and the Altar Guild in Aliquippa where her faith and service were reflected in her participation and commitment. She had many talents and interests and she used them generously. She sewed her own clothes, enjoyed knitting, and even did wallpapering with skill and care. She also had a remarkable file system that helped her remember to send cards for every important event in people’s lives. Her kindness extended well beyond her home and family. She visited elderly residents in nursing homes and held a deep respect for the elderly throughout her life. She attended her grandchildren’s events with enthusiasm and pride, and she was always present when it mattered most. She was also a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan, enjoying the excitement and tradition of the team she followed faithfully. Above all, she was known for putting others before herself. Selfless is the word that best describes her, and it is a fitting tribute to a woman whose life was defined by generosity, compassion, and love.
Barbara’s memorial service will be held at Prince of Peace Anglican Church, 1314 Gringo Road, Aliquippa on Saturday, June 13th at 11:00 a.m. for friends and family. Private inurnment will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville.
The family has requested those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Barbara’s memory to please consider the Prince of Peace Anglican Church, 1314 Gringo Road, Aliquippa 15001 or the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.