Barbara "Barb" B. (Bonarrigo) Shaputis

Barbara “Barb” B. (Bonarrigo) Shaputis

Talented and Creative Woman -

Barbara “Barb” B. (Bonarrigo) Shaputis, age 67, of Shermans Dale, passed away on Wednesday, October 17, 2018.  Barb was born on Friday, March 9, 1951 in Brookville, PA to the late Anthony R. Bonarrigo and Virginia B. (Baughman) Bonarrigo.  Barb was the widow of Steven John Shaputis, whom she married on June 9, 1974, and who died on March 3, 2001.

Barb’s survivors include her daughter, Karen Shaputis Jones and her husband, Phillip, of New Bloomfield; her grandson, Hudson Shaputis; her three siblings: JoAnn Colechio of Linden, Lenore “Lee” Knisely and her husband, Harold, of Mechanicsburg, Paul Bonarrigo and his wife, Paula, of Richmond, ME; and her numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Barb graduated from Cumberland Valley High School as part of the class of 1969, where she took college prep and participated in marching and concert band as well as orchestra.  In 1973, she graduated from Mansfield State College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Ec.  Barb was the proprietress of Yesteryer Fibers in Shermans Dale since 1976, where she never retired and continued to sew until her last day.  She was a life member of the National Rifle Association (NRA).  Barb was also a member of Historic Carlisle, Inc. and Piecemakers Quilt Guild of Perry County.  She served as an active participant with the Beaver Creek Muzzleloaders at Harrisburg Hunters and Anglers, Annual 18th Century Artisan Fair in Lewisberry, Dill’s Tavern in Dillsburg, Dixon’s Annual Gunmaker’s Fair in Kempton, and the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle.

Barb’s passions included continuously adding to her extensive knowledge on the history of the French and Indian War.  She also loved making and dressing re-enactors in period clothing, including her grandson, Hudson.  Some of the historic figures Barb dressed were Ben Franklin and John Harris.  She also enjoyed teaching classes on weaving, basket making, painting, and spinning.  Barb was very a talented woman who enjoyed sharing her creativity with others.  She liked crocheting, knitting, tatting, oil and water painting, creating charcoal portraits, weaving, muzzle loading, skeet shooting, sewing, and spinning.  Barb also delighted in reading and baking, especially pies.  She reveled in basket weaving, making and piecing quilts, leatherwork, braiding rugs, cross-stitching, rug hooking, embroidery, pottery, rug hooking, and crewelwork.

All are welcome to join Barb’s family at her gathering of family and friends on Thursday, October 25, 2018, from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. at Myers - Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with The Reverend David Biser officiating.  Interment will follow in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville.  Honored to be the urn bearer is Hudson Shaputis.  Barb’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Funck’s Family Restaurant, 1805 Fisher Avenue, Annville, PA 17003, following the interment.  All those in attendance are encouraged to dress in their re-enactment attire to honor Barb and Steve's passion.  Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Barb’s life can be made to: Mechanicsburg Area Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 1093, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, Shermans Dale Ambulance Association, 260 Richwine Road, Shermans Dale, PA 17090, or American Stroke Association, 1617 JFK Boulevard, Ste. 700, Philadelphia, PA 19103, www.Heart.org/Donate.

Barb’s family has entrusted her care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Barb’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, and sign her official guest book at Buhrig.com.