Desiree Ann Laplaca (Shuffstall)

Desiree Ann LaPlaca (Shuffstall) of Meadville PA passed away peacefully at home on May 19, 2016 surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer.            She was born in Erie PA on March 20, 1956, daughter of the late Anthony LaPlaca Sr. and Theresa Patsy LaPlaca. Desiree was a graduate of Villa Maria Academy and attended Villa Maria College. Her career was in the medical supplies and services industry and in the quest of helping those in need.  She was a former board member of the Arthritis Foundation of Western PA, and an active supporter of Community Resources for Independence. Desiree was an ardent Steeler fan and closely followed the PGA golf tour. At the 1991 Greater Erie Golf Classic held at the Kahkwa Club she met that year's champion after the tournament and following some conversation a suggestion was made to exchange autographs in the event either would become famous.  Three weeks later, the young Classic Champion won the first of his major golf championships, the PGA Tournament.  That man is John Daly, PGA professional.  Desiree achieved her fame as the loving and caring wife of husband and best friend, Dan, and in the aid of family and friends in their time of need.  Trips to the store or something special from Desi's kitchen, she was there to help, and a special treat would be a tranquil cruise around Conneaut Lake on the family pontoon boat Ba Da Bing.  Friends would say that she was quick with a joke, a light up a smoke, and there was no place where they would rather be. Her memberships, past and present, include Faith UM Church, Nuova Club, Station 3 and Vernon Central. Desiree is survived by husband Dan Shuffstall, and brothers Louis LaPlaca and his wife Val and Anthony LaPlaca Jr. and his wife Gail both of Erie, PA and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all those who have made these past months more comfortable by helping in whatever way you were able to. Special thanks to John, Brenda, Rae, Mandy, Tim Finegan, Alice Benny and the staff at CRI, Dr. Hahn and the Yolanda Barco Cancer Center, Ellen, and Cheesy. There will be no calling hours and memorials can be made to Community Resources for Independence wrap around cancer program, 3410 W. 12th Street, Erie, PA 16505.   Please sign Desiree's online guestbook at hatheway-tedesco.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the Dickson Funeral Home & Crematory, Rocco R. Tedesco III, Supervisor, 130 N Second Street, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316.