Shakie Lillian Vajaibian Macher, 79, of Roanoke, died Oct. 10, 2009, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. 

Mrs. Macher was born Dec. 29, 1929, in Jamaica, N.Y., and was the daughter of Dikron and Anna Jorjorian Vajibian. She attended public schools in New York City and worked briefly as a telephone operator for Bell Atlantic Telephone Co. in New York.

On Feb. 1, 1951, she married Roland Werner Macher, who preceded her in death on Sept. 6, 1985. The family settled in Wayne, N.J., for many years before relocating to Harrisonburg, Va., in 1970.

Mrs. Macher was instrumental in starting the family\'s restaurant business in Harrisonburg, and for over 30 years, she welcomed and cared for customers at Spanky\'s Restaurant. Shakie had a special place in her heart for all children and considered her grandchildren the love of her life. She was a member of Muhlenberg Lutheran Church and the VFW auxiliary. Mrs. Macher relocated to Roanoke, Va., in 2006 to be closer to family.

Mrs. Macher is survived by two sons, Roland H. \"Spanky\" Macher and his former wife, Margaret S. Macher, special friend and guardian for Mrs. Macher during her years in Roanoke, both of Roanoke, and Richard Macher and wife, Elizabeth, of Salem, Va.; one daughter, Robin M. Albrecht and husband, Scott, of Manassas, Va.; one sister, Rose Ackerman of Salinas, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Michael A. Albrecht, Roland C. Macher, Lauren M. Macher, Laura E. Albrecht, Madison A. Macher, Patrick C. Macher and R. Harrison Macher; and her Yorkshire Terrier, \"Ollie.\" 

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church in Harrisonburg, Va., with the Rev. David Nelson and Chaplin First Lt. Chris Myers officiating. Burial will follow at Woodbine Cemetery. The family will receive friends and loved ones between 1 to 2 p.m. at the church prior to the service.

The family wishes to receive all friends and loved ones in her home from 6 to 8 this evening (Tuesday) for a celebration of her life.

Memorial contributions may be sent to The Roland W. Macher Scholarship Fund, James Madison University, 900 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801.

Arrangements are by the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kygers.com.

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Spanky, Richard, and Robin - In many ways, I came of age under your mom's watchful (and occasionally stern) eye on Water Street. To this day, l make macaroni salad the "correct" way! I am so sorry to hear of her passing. My best to you all. Blee Moffett 2009-10-13 07:34:19

My condolences to the family. The Machers were a Harrisonburg icon for many years keeping us fed at Spanky's. I have many fond memories down on Water Street and Spanky and Shakie were like adopted parents to many college students in the 70s! Sympathies to all....love to you Robin. Sherri Chapman 2009-10-14 05:28:10

Spanky: My condolences on the loss of your mom. Never easy but she is at peace. Hope to see you soon. Mike Wolinsky Bearhands, Ltd. Mike Wolinsky 2009-10-14 07:22:50

All Virginia Food Service Brokers Richard, Thinking of you during this difficult time. My prayers and best wishes to your family. Take care and god bless. Tim Wilson 2009-10-14 07:31:51

Spanky and family My condolences go out to you. I met Mrs. Macher on a few occasions and she was a delightful lady. Best wishes and God bless you all. Boyd Temple 2009-10-14 08:22:39

Ohma- We already miss you terribly :( We know you are in a better place but your presence is still with us always. Your house is empty and Ollie is lonely but everything will be okay :) We love you! Lauren Macher and Cindy Backus 2009-10-14 12:16:15

Ms. Macher Dear Richard and the family words can't express the pain and the sorrow that my family has for you. Your mother was a wonderful person and I was the lucky one to have known her for so many years as I worked for you as a hostess and waitress that job was the best and so was your mom she always had a kind word for me when she was in the store. If there is anything you need in the days ahead please call. May the lord bless you and keep you. All the best now and forever The Moodys Celestine Moody Zachary /Robinson Billy and Denise Moody Denise moody and Family 2009-10-14 15:37:15

Today I will say goodbye to a very special friend. Words will never be able to describe the many things that she was to me. Shakie Macher, better known as "Ohma" was an amazing women who lived life to its fullest every day. She brought so much joy into the world and took the word fun to a new level. But most of all she loved, she loved her family with all her heart and despite the many challenges that her life had, her love and devotion ran deep. I was the daughter -in -law and eventually became the former daughter-in-law, but our bond was never broken. She was always there for me and was a "one of a kind" grandmother to my children. She taught me so many things and through the years we became great friends. Having her in my life was a gift and I will miss her terribly. I will forever be grateful for the love that she gave, the joy that she shared and the special friend that she was. Rest in peace Ohma,... Margaret Macher 2009-10-15 05:43:36

Spanky, Richard and Robin, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom and Dad were both terrific people. I learned so much as a young girl working at Spanky's, 1974, right out of high school. God be with you and your entire family. Judy Butler Way 2009-10-16 05:44:45

Memories Harrisonburg is a much better place because you chose this locality to bring your specialty in the 70's (great food and hospitality). Our family has many happy memories when we would meet our friends at Spanky's after JMU football and basketball games (during the Lou C. basketball era). Your parents were hard workers to make each restaurant experience-wonderful. Brenda and I both know how painful it is when you lose special parents. Hold on to all of your great memories! Branners-Lee, Brenda & Daughte 2009-10-16 20:35:55

Richard and Spanky, Our condolences go out to both of you and your families. Venetta and I feel priviledged to have know Shakie and will miss knowing that she is out there laughing and telling it the way it is. Your mother was always generous and welcoming to both of us. She will be missed. Your family is in our thoughts, Mark & Venetta Mark and Venetta Manson 2009-10-18 14:03:24

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