Lissi Shaff's Obituary
Lissi K. Shaff, 82, passed away on January 28, 2015 at Clarissa C. Clark Hospice House, Bettendorf, following an extended battle with multiple myeloma.
Born on September 29, 1932 in Copenhagen, Denmark, Lissi was adopted by Erna and Holger Petersen. With World War II looming, her family relocated to a Danish settlement in Caracas, Venezuela in 1939. Lissi later came to the United States in 1947 and was taken into the family of Hazel and Ira Cornell. She graduated from Clinton High School in 1951 and then attended Iowa State University.
Lissi married David O. Shaff October 10, 1953 in Clinton, Iowa. She was a full time mother, grandmother and housewife. She was active in the community as a member and officer of P.E.O., Delphians Society and at the First Presbyterian Church. She was a past member of the board of the Iowa State Historical Society. Lissi was a fabulous cook and always enjoyed baking and cooking for her family and friends. Her grandchildren were the joy of her life, and she enjoyed spending time with them at any opportunity. She also had a special relationship with all of the family dogs. Lissi travelled all over the world with family and friends. She played in numerous bridge clubs and was an avid gardener and reader.
She is survived by her children Karen (Steve Jayne) of Des Moines, J. O. of Bettendorf, Martha (Tom Licea) of LeClaire, Grace of Chicago, her grandchildren Madeline and Chase Licea, brother-in law James Heman Shaff and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2011.
Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Clinton on Friday, February 6, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. The family will greet people at 1:00 p.m. inside the Calvin Hall at the church. Burial will be at the family cemetery in Shaffton, Iowa. The Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family.
Her family thanks the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice staff for all of their care and support during this most difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Scott County Humane Society or the Bettendorf Public Library.
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