Neng Oconer Shaffer

Neng Oconer Shaffer of Youngstown, Ohio, passed away in the early morning of Monday, May 6th, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Hospital. She was a beloved mother, wife, sister, friend, and most of all, Lola (grandma). Neng was born on November 28th, 1947, in Manila, Philippines, to the late Jaime Aquino Oconer and Narcisa Abaya Oconer.

Neng graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a Master's degree in Education and went on to teach at the Philippine Women's University. She was also a secondary marketing analyst and tax advisor, but her favorite job was being a mother and homemaker. Neng went on to marry her husband Kenneth Shaffer on New Year's Day 1987, and spent 37 years creating a lifetime of memories and raising their only child, Rose.

A devout Catholic, Neng attended mass almost every Sunday, finding solace and strength in her faith. Her pride in her Filipino heritage shone through in her culinary skills and her dedication to celebrating Filipino traditions. Neng was an active member of FAONEO, The Filipino American Organization of Northeast Ohio, for over 30 years. She valued her friendships above all else, reveling in parties, singing karaoke, dancing, and embracing the joys of life.

Neng leaves behind to carry her memory her husband Kenneth Shaffer, only child Rose Shaffer Saborse (Jacob Saborse), her brother Gerry (Yoly) Oconer, nieces, nephews, extended family, and as she would say, the love of her life, her grandson Carmen Charles Saborse.

Neng is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved in-laws Paul and Ruth Shaffer, and her sister Julie (Ben) Lim.

Family and friends may pay their respects from 11am-1pm at Lane Funeral Home Austintown Chapel on Saturday, May 11th, followed by a funeral service at 1pm. Flowers to honor Neng can be sent to Lane Funeral Home Austintown Chapel. The Shaffer and Saborse family extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at the CVICU in Youngstown for their compassionate care.

Neng's legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew her. Let us honor her memory by embracing life's joys, dancing, traveling, singing karaoke, and savoring delicious food with our loved ones.