Pearl R. Shaffer, age 56, of Dubuque, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Sunnycrest Manor after a long battle with Huntington’s Disease.  To honor Pearl’s life, there will be a celebration held at a later date.  Following cremation, burial will be in Center Grove Cemetery.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting Pearl’s family.

Pearl was born on February 19, 1969, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of John and Suzanne (Urban) Shaffer.  Due to her parents health issues, Pearl was raised by her aunt and uncle, Sheila and Pike Urban.

Pearl graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and earned her CNA from NICC.  She worked as a CNA and in housekeeping for several facilities throughout the years.  In her free time, Pearl enjoyed going to garage sales and antique stores looking for lost treasures.  She liked listening to music and hopping in the car to go for a ride any chance she could.  Pearl was very friendly and outgoing and loved getting together with family and friends.  She will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish Pearl’s memory include

her daughters,
Tolisa Lafayette
and Tiffany (Matt Schmidt) Lafayette, both of Dubuque, IA;

6 grandchildren,
Taymar, Derrick, Ta’Nijshia, Pearl, Aydrionah and Malakaih;

her aunt and 2nd mother,
Sheila Urban, Dubuque, IA;

and her siblings,
Rochelle Shaffer, Rock Falls, IL,
Mike Shaffer, Fox Lake, WI,
Wendy (Jim) McLaughlin, Dubuque, IA,
Elizabeth Urban, Dubuque, IA,
Gary (Sherry) Urban, Rochester, MN
and Jim (Jan) Urban, Kennewick, WA.

Pearl was preceded in death by her parents; her uncle and 2nd father, Pike Urban; a granddaughter, Tyriana; 2 sisters, Peggy (Charles) Johnson and Kim Donnan; 2 brothers, Randy Shaffer, Tim Shaffer and Clark Urban; and several aunts and uncles.

Pearl’s family would like to thank everyone at Sunnycrest Manor for their wonderful care and friendship.  Also a special thanks to Hospice of Dubuque.

Cards and memorials in Pearl’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Pearl Shaffer Family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com