Obituary of Barbara E. Shafarzek

Colonie - Barbare Eveleyn (Mehrtens) Shafarzek, 82, beloved child of God, baptized into the life, death and resurrection of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ died on Friday, January 2, 2026 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany.  Born August 29, 1943 in Hudson, NY, Barbara was the daughter of the late Henry Mehrtens and Evelyn B. (Denegar) Mehrtens.  She graduated from Germantown Central High School in 1961 and received her Bachelor’s (1965) and Master’s (1969) degrees in Home Economic Education from SUNY Plattsburgh.  Barbara taught Home Economics at South Colonie Central High School where she met her future husband and in 1969, she married her husband of 56 years, Bernie Shafarzek.

Barbara became a stay-at-home mom when her daughters were born and caretaker to her parents and Bernie’s mother until their deaths.  She was an active member of the First Lutheran Church in Albany.  Barbara loved her Lord and her church and taught Sunday School and Confirmation classes.  She was the director of the Altar Guild, was a worship assistant and served several terms on the church council.  In 2008, she was commissioned deacon in the Hudson-Mohawk Conference of the Upstate NY Synod of the ELCA.  She served as deacon and Synodical Authorized Minister and led worship at many area Lutheran congregations.  After her children were raised, she began her second career as a church secretary and also was an avid seamstress, doing sewing, alterations and tailoring most of her adult life.  Other interests include gardening, reading, knitting, embroidery, baking and Bible study.  Her greatest joy was being with family and preparing their favorite meals.

Barbara is survived by her beloved husband, the love of her life and her best friend, Bernard “Bernie” Shafarzek; loving sister, Nancy Endres; sister-in-law, Anna Bestenheider; daughters, Lisa Dilcher (Scott) and Karie Robertson; stepson, Karl Shafarzek (Deb); grandchildren, Catherine Shafarzek, Nicholas Shafarzek, Heather Dilcher and Michael Dilcher; nephews, Rick Yarter, Kyle Yarter (Kerri), Michael Bestenheider; niece, Cindy Bestenheider; great-nieces, Amber Yarter, Ellie Yarter and Olivia Yarter; and many cousins.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased in death by her beloved sister, Eleanor M. Konis; and brothers-in-law, Richard Yarter and Donald Endres.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the First Lutheran Church, 181 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203.  Friends are also invited to visit with Barbara’s family at 1 p.m., prior to the service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, contributions to First Lutheran Church would be appreciated.

For those unable to attend but wishing to view Barbara's service, please use the following Zoom link.

 http://firstlutheranalbany.org/zoom