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Loyola University Chicago

Martha Shaw Obituary

Martha Jane (Murphy) Shaw, passed away on Friday, February 1, 2013. Martha is survived by her husband, Richard, to whom she was married on June 9, 1962 in Lansing, Michigan. She is also survived by her three children, Kathleen (Patrick) of Evanston, Illinois; Timothy (Jennifer) of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Michael (Michelle) of Saugatuck Township. She will be missed dearly by all six of her grandchildren, Ali, Anisa, Susannah, Moira, Ada, and Emelia. Marty was born in Detroit on March 5, 1939. She graduated magna cum laude from the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio with a Bachelor of Music Education in 1961 and received a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University in Chicago in 1995. In the fifth grade, she began playing the organ at St. Mary's Cathedral in Lansing and continued to share the joy and beauty of music with others her entire life. She worked both as an elementary classroom and music teacher in both public and parochial schools and later as the Director of Adult Education in her home parish. She was passionate about her local libraries and served on various local boards, including twelve years on the Board of Directors of Pennock Hospital in Hastings, Michigan. After retirement, Marty and Dick moved to their summer home in Douglas to be close to her beloved Lake Michigan. Marty enjoyed life and was surrounded by a great number of people who adored her gentle grace, kind wisdom, and easy laughter: her family, her eight younger siblings, her morning walking partners in Hastings and Douglas, and many friends, both old and new. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Holland, Michigan. Visitation will be held at the Church from 10 to 11 a.m., with a Funeral Mass directly following visitation. A luncheon will be held in the church's common area immediately following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either of the following organizations: Green Gables Haven, Domestic Violence Shelter c/o the Barry County Community Foundation, 231 S. Broadway in Hastings, Michigan 49058 or St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church at 171 West 13th Street in Holland, Michigan 49423. An online registry book is available at www.chappellfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Grand Rapids Press on Feb. 3, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Martha Shaw

14 Entries

Tia de Goa

February 7, 2013

Prayers to J. Shaw and the family. Marty is one of those people in life who immediately touch you with their pure goodness.

Jim Reed

February 7, 2013

Dick,
I was sad to learn of Marty's passing. I have good memories of dinners with You and Marty and the Hodgsons My prayers are with you and your family.

Marci Miller

February 5, 2013

Love and Prayers to the Shaw family. Marty leaves a loving legacy and kind smiles to all that know her.

Terry Class of 57

February 5, 2013

So sorry to hear the news.
My fondest memories of Martha are from the earlier St Mary grade school years, nearly 7 decades ago. I was so smitten with her abilities and her personal kindnesses. She made big and lasting impressions, you know, the kind that are permanently important.

Tony Fortino

February 5, 2013

I so very saddened to hear of Marty's passing. I had the pleasure of sharing High School years with her at St. Mary and remember her kindness and compassion. Please accept my deepest condolences. Tony Fortino

Ed & Linda McLean

February 5, 2013

Our sympathy and prays for the Shaw family. Fond memories of both Marty and Dick.

Class mates at St Mary and neighbor in Hastings

Dave and JJ Russell

February 5, 2013

What a great person!

S Gutierrez

February 4, 2013

Dear Shaw Family,
While we never had the privilege of meeting Mrs. Shaw, we know her teaching genes will continue to impact students through the work of her son, a public school principal. On behalf of his colleagues, know you have left an incredible impact on this world. Our prayers are with the extended Shaw family in your passing.

FR. CHUCK FISCHER

February 4, 2013

It was a great joy, a privilege, a real learning experience, to work with Marty for those ten years at St.Rose of Lima in Hasitngs. Many memories to be treasured there. I especially remember her calm leadership and her gentleness with such a variety of people. May the God of peace lead us all through this time of loss.

Cassie Holwerda

February 3, 2013

Dear Family,
I have treasured memories of our visits in the summer time at your Saugatuck home, and your support throughout the basketball years. I am so, so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful lady.

Bob & Carrie Carl

February 3, 2013

Dear Dick, Tim & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Marty was such a special person to so many people. She had a smile that lit up the room and always made you feel welcome. It was a blessing to know her and to have her in your life. She will be greatly missed.

Roberta Brenza

February 3, 2013

It's with a great sense of loss this morning that I see here Mrs. Shaw's bright smile, but I will always be able to hear her contagiously sweet laugh. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Shaw family and all those who cherished Mrs. Shaw's friendship and love.

With love,
Roberta Wroblewski Brenza

Jerry and Betty wroblewski

February 3, 2013

This guest book offers help for finding the right words. There are NO right words to describe Marty's loss. She was a treasure that can never described in words.

Cathy Williamson

February 3, 2013

Dick, Tim, Jen & family, I'm. so sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed your beautiful family picture at Lake Michigan. I remember Dick mentioned that people build temples. Your family is a temple that you & Martha built!

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