Patricia A. Shaw

Patricia Anne Shaw, age 89, lost her battle with Alzheimer's disease and passed peacefully in her sleep on April 22, 2021.

Pat was born on July 3, 1931, in Newark, New Jersey, to Charles and Maude (Fitzmaurice) Terhune. She always knew that the 4th of July fireworks were really for her and was extremely patriotic. Pat spent her entire childhood in Belmar, New Jersey, with her parents and sister, Barbara.

During her years at Manasquan High School, Pat loved her time as a Twirler until her graduation in 1949. Immediately following commencement, the entire family relocated to California via cross-country train because her father had been transferred to the new Prudential Center opening on Miracle Mile in Los Angeles.

Once settled, she started college at UCLA. While attending, she met her future husband, William Shaw. They welcomed four beautiful children: William Rick, Debra Lee, Erik Jon, and Stirling Auger. Unfortunately, William Rick only lived to be a few hours old. Bill and Patty later divorced. Pat then met and married Ernest Cowell, but after several years, they also divorced. However, she remained friendly with both Bill and Ernie for the rest of her life.

In 1978, her first grandchild, Charmagne, was born; it was also the year that the family moved to Arizona. With her son Erik enlisted in the Army, Pat took a hands-on role and raised Charmagne as another daughter. Pat was blessed with seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, with a sixth on the way.

Pat always worked in schools, both in California and Arizona. She did various jobs within the schools, including secretary, librarian, teacher aide, and special needs classes.

In 2000, Pat retired and moved to Missouri to join most of her family in their new home state. Here she spent her time enjoying her friends in the Red Hat Society and being with her family. In 2015, Pat moved in with Charmagne and her husband, Josh, in Ohio. She continued to enjoy spending time with family, Red Hatter friends and learning all sorts of new crafts at the local recreation center.

Alzheimer's led to Pat living out life at Forest Hills Alzheimer's Center, where she continued doing her beloved crafts until she was called home.

Patty is survived by her sister Barbara (Terhune) Preising and her children, Debra L. (Shaw) Ludwig, Stirling A. Shaw, Charmagne P. (Shaw) Shremshock, and their families. She is preceded in death by her parents, Maude and Charles Terhune, and her sons, William R. Shaw and Erik J. Shaw.

A celebration of life will be held at the Newcomer Funeral Home on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 3:00 p.m., followed by a reception at The Shremshocks' family home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patricia Shaw's memory to the Alzheimer's Association act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pxfid=680886&fr_id=1060&pg=fund.