Sondra Ilene Shaw Hackborn

1943 - 2022

Boise - Sondra Ilene Shaw Hackborn died at age 78 on February 25, 2022 at home surrounded by her loving family. Born April 21, 1943 in Long Beach California, Sondra was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, poet, patron of the arts, advocate for human rights, community supporter, and a great friend. Sondra's spirit is carried on through the lives of her surviving family: by her devoted husband, Richard A. Hackborn; her children, Dianne K. Hackborn and Eric S. Hackborn; her daughters-in-law, Nikki Hackborn and Kerri Lynne Thorp; her granddaughter, Halo Marie Hackborn; and her many cherished friends. Sondra was preceded in death by father Marvin Shaw; mother Dorthy Arvick Shaw, and sister Shirley Ellen Shaw Long. Shirley and Sondra were sisters and lifelong best friends who spoke for hours on the phone every Sunday until Shirley's passing in 2017.

Sondra spread cheer from an early age. In elementary school, she would pick flowers and bring them to her teachers. In 1964, Sondra earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, California. She loved student teaching at C.L. Smith and Pacheco Elementary Schools. In addition to academics, she was active in the Cardinal Key Honors society, glee club, song girls, the rally committee, and was a Poly Court Princess. She taught dance during the summer and enjoyed tap dancing throughout her life. She valued her education and cherished her joyous college days. Her smile was bright when she shared memories of teaching, singing, and celebratory lamb roasts on the beach with friends-memories that would last a lifetime.

In the fall of 1965, she met the love of her life, Richard Hackborn, at a preseason ski party. Shortly thereafter, Richard taught her how to properly use a vacuum. They were engaged in April 1966 and married in August 1966. They moved into their first home in Cupertino in 1969.

Following in the footsteps of her father, Sondra became a professional elementary school teacher and taught second grade in Atherton, California. Richard and Sondra had two children, Dianne in 1971 and Eric in 1973. Sondra transitioned from professional teaching to dedicate herself to her family.

In 1977, Sondra moved to Meridian, ID as a part of the Hewlett-Packard migration of about 70 families. She began meeting with a group of women who had relocated to Idaho. This group evolved into the Birthday Bunch, a close group who met every month for over 40 years. They developed lifelong friendships, became active leaders in community-based philanthropic programs, and supported the arts in the Treasure Valley.

Sondra loved music, played the piano, and encouraged musical training in her children. Her love for teaching continued in the lives of her children. Eric fondly remembers his mother visiting his school to give music lessons to his class. She was proud of her work as a mother and enjoyed celebrating the successes of her children. Sondra was always a natural teacher who worked to give her family and community the tools, knowledge, and access they needed to prosper. When her children were in elementary school, Sondra worked with the Literacy Lab and tutored girls after school.

Sondra deeply cared about the relationships she made as she pursued activities that were important to her. She was a member and former president of the Assistance League of Boise, a member of the Idaho Women's Charitable Foundation, on the Advisory and Education Board for the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights, and on the Advisory Board for St. Luke's Boise Women's Forum. Sondra was heavily involved in local dance, supporting organizations like Ballet Idaho and The Trey McEntyre Project. She was a founding funder of the LED dance company and directly supported dancers. She cared about her community and even cared enough to take notes on the staff she met at her favorite restaurants.

Sondra and Richard were great supporters of the Boise Art Museum and sponsored Family ART Saturday there. They developed strong friendships with members of the Boise Art Museum Collector's Forum that evolved into a group of world travelers. Together, they journeyed all over Europe and South America. Amongst her favorite trips were Turkey and an African safari in Kenya.

She was in a women's book club for over 20 years, a member of Great Decisions, and an avid participant in OSHER classes. Sondra loved skiing and was a member of the women's Apres Ski Club. She was a dedicated yoga practitioner and trained as a teacher for Iyengar Yoga. Sondra was a talented gardener and a skilled anthophile. She passed this love of gardening on to her daughter, but unfortunately not to her son.

Sondra was the best grandmother; she enjoyed reading books and playing the piano with Halo. She was a role model for how to treat children with love and respect, and how to create a safe environment for them to explore. Sondra was graceful with a strong moral core. She brought forth her best self, and brought out the best in others.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Wassmuth Center for Human Rights or Ballet Idaho.

An outdoor memorial service will be held in the spring on a date to be announced.

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