Ashley Christine Shaffer (née Eliasz)
May 27, 1989 – July 23, 2025
Ashley Christine Shaffer, 36, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, surrounded by her beloved family. Her final moments were filled with peace, love, and the beauty of the Smoky Mountains—a view she shared with those she held dearest.
Born on May 27, 1989, at St. John Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, Ashley brought joy and warmth into the world from the very beginning. She was the cherished daughter of Jeff and Nancy Eliasz, and a loving sister to her younger brother Jeffrey Eliasz (Megan) and her older sister Heather Holdsworth (Joshua), with whom she shared a lifelong bond. She was a devoted aunt to Olivia and Elijah Holdsworth, and her love for her extended family ran deep.
Ashley was the heart of her own young family—wife to Justin Shaffer, and devoted mother to Charlotte (6) and Eleanor (4). She also holds forever in her heart her son, Noah Shaffer, who was born and passed on June 1, 2023. Now, Ashley joins Noah in Heaven, holding him close once again. Her love for her children was unwavering and fierce; she poured her soul into motherhood with compassion, laughter, and grace.
She is also lovingly remembered by her in-laws—Sean and Missy Klug (Missy is Justin’s mother) and Dave and Shelley Shaffer (Dave is Justin’s father)—who cherished Ashley not only as a daughter-in-law, but as a beloved member of their family.
Ashley faced a two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer with incredible strength and grace. She became a source of light and strength for others—sharing her journey openly, raising awareness, and offering support to those facing their own diagnoses. Her unwavering spirit, positive outlook, and deep empathy helped others find hope even in their darkest moments. Through her devotion to the fight, she inspired everyone around her to live more fully, love more deeply, and never give up.
Professionally, Ashley was a decorated and deeply compassionate registered nurse. Her career spanned St. John’s Detroit ICU, the University of Michigan ICU, and, most notably, the 6 West Neuro ICU at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit—where she found a second family among her colleagues. Ashley’s tireless dedication to her patients earned her multiple DAISY Awards, a reflection of the extraordinary care and empathy she gave every day.
Outside of her work, Ashley was vibrant and full of life. She found joy in family dinners, traveling, new adventures, and quiet evenings with a glass of wine and a good book. She had a radiant presence and a heart full of love, always putting her family first and embracing life with courage, grace, and humor.
A visitation and celebration of Ashley’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Fern Hill Golf Club in Clinton Township, Michigan, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. Family and Chaplain tributes will begin at 6:00 p.m. All who knew and loved Ashley are invited to join in honoring her beautiful life and legacy.
Ashley’s spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew her—through every life she touched, every patient she cared for, and every soul she inspired. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.
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