Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania — The tight-knit wellness community at Pure Barre Mechanicsburg is grieving the shock loss of a vibrant and beloved member, 36-year-old Alicia Shaffer, who died Tuesday, January 6, 2026, after complications related to brain tumors. Friends, family and fellow fitness lovers say her passing has left a quiet but deep ache in hearts across the area.
Alicia wasn’t just another face in the studio crowd. She was one of the people who made the place feel like home. Those who knew her best say she was in the studio often, chasing personal goals with infectious energy. She hit impressive milestones — including completing more than 1,000 classes — but it was her spirit that mattered most. She brought warmth, attention to detail and care to everything she did, from helping others with encouragement to arranging fresh flowers that brightened the space.
Her sudden health crisis began with an unexpected trip to the emergency room, where doctors discovered not one but two brain tumors. Though treated at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, complications during a biopsy proved devastating and ultimately led to her death. Even in the hospital, people close to her remember her strength — she remained thoughtful and focused on small comforts and moments of joy right to the end.
In a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Alicia’s husband, Jason Shaffer, described the life they shared. Married for 15 years, he called her his best friend and soulmate. He painted a picture of a woman who lived out her love for others every day — whether with friends at Pure Barre, people she bumped into around town, or even strangers she met while running errands. Jason spoke of her kindness, her sharp wit, and how she always carried stories about the people she cared about.
Friends say Alicia had an effortless way of lifting spirits. She could fill a room with laughter, offer comfort without being asked, and make people feel seen. That presence — radiant and generous — is how many will remember her. Her life, though heartbreakingly short, touched countless others simply by showing up with care and joy.
Across Pure Barre Mechanicsburg, fellow members and instructors are now sharing memories of classes, conversations and moments of support that defined who she was. The loss has underscored how fitness communities can become like extended families — and how deeply a single life can resonate within them.
While details about funeral services and memorial plans have not been widely shared, the impact of Alicia’s life is already being felt in the thoughtful tributes pouring in. People remember her for her generosity, her intensity in pursuit of joy, and her heartfelt commitment to the people around her. In every shared memory, there’s a common thread: she made life lighter, warmer and more connected for everyone lucky enough to know her.
Her spirit, friends say, will live on in the stories shared, the friendships strengthened and the kind gestures she offered so freely — a reminder that even in loss, love stays.
