Vera Jane Shagena passed away on Nov. 26, 2018 after an extended illness. She was 99 years old.
She was the beloved mother of William (Bill) O’Dell, Terry O’Dell, Rita Wencel (James) and Renae Shagena as well as the beloved grandmother of William (Billy) O’Dell, Dawn O’Dell, Darby O’Dell, Erin O’Dell, Robert (Bob) O’Dell, Tammy Barber, James (Jimmy) Wencel, John Wencel, Nikki Doctor (Collin) and Holly Wencel. She is also survived by Janet Fleischmann, Kelly Fleischman, Keith James, Kevin James and several great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Shagena was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Jane Beaty, brothers William and Jack Beaty, sons Gale and Dennis O’Dell, granddaughter Laurie O’Dell, daughter-in-law Becky O’Dell and her husband and best friend for many years, Wencil Shagena.
Mrs. Shagena retired from National Twist Drill and Tool Company where she worked as a straightener and served as shop steward.
Born in Dryden, Mrs. Shagena spent most of her life in Oxford where she lived until her death. She has been an auxiliary member of the American Legion Walter Frasier Post 108 for over 40 years where she served as auxiliary president and most recently, as chaplain.
Until hindered by failing health, she loved playing euchre and attending the Friday night fish fry at Post 108.
Mrs. Shagena was a member of the Rochester Eagles auxiliary for nearly as long as Unit 108. In her younger days, she enjoyed bowling and was part of a Thursday night league for many years.
She also enjoyed playing golf and ballroom dancing, taking lessons with the Arthur Murray School of Dance while living in Florida.
Mrs. Shagena was a faithful member of Oxford United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Shagena especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren at her yearly birthday dinners at Red Lobster. She will be missed by her dachshund, Chloe, who was her companion for the past six years.
A funeral was held at the Oxford United Methodist Church on Dec. 3.
Interment followed at Ridgelawn Memorial Cemetery in Oxford.
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