Deborah Shufelt Zahner

Deborah (Shufelt) Zahner, age 58, passed away peacefully in her Wrentham home, surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, July 16, 2016. Born in Walpole, Massachusetts on September 10, 1957, she was the daughter of the late Richard "Dick" Shufelt and surviving mother, Mary "Buzzy" Shufelt. She was raised in Walpole and graduated from Walpole High School in 1975.

Debbie spent the last of working career working for Right at Home, Home Care as a Certified Home Health Aide. She adored her clients, one especially, P.D. She didn't want to put her full name out here. P.D. was very special to her. Debbie knew her years ago, never knowing she'd end up taking care of her years later.

She loved nature and would regularly sit by Clark's Pond in Walpole taking in the natural beauty. As an avid photographer, she enjoyed capturing beautiful scenery with her camera and as a gifted gardener; she loved creating beautiful displays of flowers in and around her home.

Her home and family were a great source of pride for Debbie, as she maintained a perfect home at all times, making sure that everything was always neat and tidy. She ensured that as her boys grew up they were well cared for and welcomed their friends with open arms. This led to many new friendships over the years not only with her sons' friends, but with their parents as well.

Debbie's family always came first in her life and they always found time to make music together. She loved playing the organ and would regularly sing country songs in the car with her grandsons, Joey and Billy. Once the family band booked a "gig" Debbie began looking forward to the dancing and fun she would have while supporting them wherever they played. As a young family, Debbie and Joe took their family camping at Canoe River in Mansfield, where Debbie became famous for the fish that she caught, the only one of the day. Debbie being an active parent loved any opportunity that she had to help her two sons with their athletic endeavors. She always joked that Joe and Bobby got their throwing abilities from her and the Shufelt family. She provided constant support to them both over the years, even when they tried to borrow her prized fishing rod. Cookouts were a staple in the Shufelt family and Debbie, never being one to just sit around, could be found playing sports or just tossing a Frisbee around the backyard.

Debbie was the beloved wife of Joseph F. Zahner for 31 years.
Loving mother of Joseph, Jr and his wife Lea Anne and two grandsons, Joey and Billy from Wrentham and Bobby Zahner from Millis, all whom she loved dearly.
Devoted sister of Richard Shufelt, Jr. of Walpole, Robin Shufelt of Mattapoisett, Robert Shufelt and his wife Victoria of Norfolk, the late Susan Connolly and the late Gale Engler.
Also survived by several nieces and nephews, who were also so special to her.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Debbie's Life Celebration on Thursday, July 21, 2016 from 4-8 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Funeral Service will be held in the Epiphany Episcopal Church, 62 Front Street, Walpole on Friday, July 22, 2016 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Meals on Wheels, c/o HESSCO Elder Services, 1 Merchant Street, Sharon, MA 02067.