Ann Durno Shafer

Ann Durno Shafer, a longtime resident of Los Alamos, passed away on November 10, 2025, of complications after a fall. She was an active member and supporter of local and New Mexico state organizations during her time in New Mexico.

Ann was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and graduated from East Grand Rapids High School. She earned her BA from Brown University in 1961; her M.Ed from Boston University; and a MSW from George Williams College. She married her husband, Robert Shafer in Boston, MA in 1968. They lived in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Glen Ellyn, Illinois, before settling in New Mexico where Robert was a scientist at Los Alamos Laboratories.

Ann was active in the Los Alamos area for many years where she worked as a social worker at the Family Council and later at the Senior Center. She served on the board of the Los Alamos Senior Center and was president for 2 terms and on the board of the Pajarito Environmental Education Center from 2014-18. She was also on the board and president of the Los Alamos Association of Prevention of Child Abuse, now called The Family Strengths Network (FSN). She served on the state board of the New Mexico Prevention of Child Abuse Association and the state board of the New Mexico Association of Social Workers.

An accomplished weaver and bead artist, Ann was active on the board at Espanola Valley Fiber Arts Center (EVFAC) and president of it for 2 terms. She has had one of her creations featured in a weaving magazine and two pieces featured in bead weaving books.

Ann loved to garden and had a beautifully terraced front yard with many plantings. She was a member of the Los Alamos Garden Club for nearly 30 years and served twice as its club president. Ann was also a member of a monthly book club. The club enjoyed reading her book recommendations that included books about the West such as the novels of Michael McGarrity, mysteries and historical fiction.

She and her husband Bob loved to travel, ski, hike and camp and explore National Parks and Monuments around the Southwest before his death in 2011. Ann and Bob loved dogs and had Scottish terriers for many years. Ann’s last Scottie was named Rosie. She later adopted Mackie, a small poodle mix, from the local animal shelter.

Ann was active in the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos and served in many volunteer leadership roles over the years. She leaves behind many longtime friends who will miss her.

She was predeceased by her husband of 44 years, Robert E. Shafer. Ann is survived by her brother, John D. Durno and sister-in-law, Eleanor, of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, her nephews, Craig Durno (Katie) and Geoff Durno (Silvia), her niece, Amy Harned (Peter) and grandnieces and nephews. Ann is also survived by Mackie who has been her beloved canine companion for the past eleven years. Mackie has been given to a loving home.

Many thanks to those who helped take care of Ann in these last few years. These include neighbors, friends, employees with Home Instead Senior Care and Crossroads Aging Care Professionals, and Los Alamos Visiting Nurse Service.

A memorial service is planned for January 24, 2026, 1:00pm, at the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos, 1738 N Sage Loop.

Please visit www.riverafamilyfuneralhome to send messages, pictures, and condolences.