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Rebecca Shaw Obituary
During her distinguished career, most notably at Henderson, Rebecca brought her creative vision to countless civic projects, specializing in the integration of public gardens and green spaces into urban environments. Her thoughtful approach to combining natural elements with modern architecture helped shape numerous community spaces across the Northeast. Her colleagues remember her as a visionary who could find possibility in every challenge. Beyond her professional life, Rebecca loved playing the violin at events with friends and family. Her legendary Sunday dinners brought together family, friends, and anyone who needed a home-cooked meal and a warm smile. Rebecca's spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched, in the spaces she helped create, and in the loving family she nurtured. In lieu of flowers or consolation visits, the family requests donations be made to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dave Samson
April 7, 2025
Jesse (and Yvette), my heart is with you and your family. I know how deeply you loved Rebecca, and how proud you were to be her step father. You always spoke of her with such admiration and tenderness-how she welcomed you into her life and how you were honored to be part of hers. The way you stood by Yvette through all of this, and how you supported Rebecca during the hardest moments, was a testament to the kind of man you are. I hope you can find comfort in knowing that you were a steady presence in her life, and that your love and care meant more than words can say. Thinking of you and your family as you continue to make the difficult adjustment to life without Rebecca.
Valerie Stokes
March 26, 2025
To my dear friend George, my heart continues to be with you even many months after Rebecca's passing. I can only imagine how hard it must be to stride on without Rebecca by your side. She was an incredible woman who touched so many lives with her warmth, creativity, and strength. It´s hard to imagine family gatherings without her light, but I know she will live on in the memories, the spaces she helped create, and the love she gave.
I´ve always admired the bond you two shared. It was a beautiful example of partnership and love, and I know you´ve continued to be an incredible father to Michael, Anna, and Kelly. They are a true testament to the love you and Rebecca poured into them. Please know that I´m here for you, and I´ll always be just a phone call away. Rebecca´s spirit will continue to guide all of you, and I´m confident that her strength will be carried forward through each of you. Sending love and strength to you and the family as you continue to navigate this painful journey. You are in my thoughts.
Zach Ecker
March 10, 2025
Bob, my heart is with you and your family. I remember when you first introduced me to Rebecca-she was just a teenager, full of life and wit, and I could see how proud you were to call her your daughter. Over the years, I watched that same warmth and brilliance shape her into an incredible mother, wife, and professional.
I know how deeply this loss weighs on you, but I also know how strong a father´s love is. Rebecca was the remarkable woman she was because of the love and values you instilled in her. That legacy will live on through her children and all the lives she touched.
Thinking of you, my friend, and sending you strength in the new year.
James Calloway
February 24, 2025
Rebecca wasn´t just a colleague-she was a mentor, an inspiration, and the heart of so many projects we worked on together. Her ability to see beyond the immediate challenge and envision something truly transformative was unparalleled. I can´t count how many times I walked into a meeting thinking something was impossible, only for Rebecca to calmly lay out a solution that seemed so obvious once she said it.
Her passion for integrating nature into urban spaces wasn´t just about aesthetics; she truly believed in making cities more livable, more human. She had this quiet way of elevating every project and every person around her.
Rebecca, your impact on this world is undeniable, and your absence is deeply felt. Thank you for everything you taught us. We´ll carry your vision forward. Rest easy, my friend.
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Avery Mills
February 17, 2025
Rebecca, I still can´t believe you´re gone. It´ll be three months tomorrow, and yet your absence is felt in every moment, in every gathering, in every quiet conversation. Deborah & I miss you more than words can say. She talks about you every day, remembering your laughter, your wisdom, and the way you could turn any space-whether a city park or a family dinner-into something beautiful.
Your mother and father are heartbroken, too. Watching them grieve has been one of the hardest things, but they are so proud of the life you built and the love you shared with all of us. Your kindness, your strength, and your unwavering love for your family live on in Michael, Anna, and Kelly.
We will do our best to carry your legacy forward, but there will never be another you. Rest in peace, Rebecca. You are so deeply missed.
Jesse Akins
February 10, 2025
Rebecca, being your step father was one of the greatest blessings of my life. From the moment I met you, you welcomed me with open arms, and I quickly saw what a truly remarkable person you were. Your kindness, your laughter, your ability to make everyone feel at home-those things never faded, even in the hardest of times.
I watched with admiration as you built a life filled with love, family, and purpose. You fought your battle with such strength, but more importantly, you lived with grace and joy. The world is emptier without you, but I know your spirit lives on in George, Michael, Anna, and Kelly.
We miss you every day, Becca. I promise to keep an eye on your mom and the kids, just like I know you´d want. Rest easy, sweetheart.
Kathleen Thompson
February 3, 2025
Rebecca, not a day goes by that we don´t think of you. Your father and I miss you more than words can express. The holidays were especially hard without your bright presence-your father tried to be strong, but I know his heart is broken. You were his pride and joy, and he still talks about you every day, reminiscing about all the wonderful memories you gave us.
I see so much of your kindness and strength in Michael, Anna, and Kelly. You raised them to be remarkable, just like you. We´ll continue to keep your memory alive in our hearts and through the love we share as a family. Rest peacefully, dear.
Jean Shaw
January 21, 2025
Mom, I feel so lucky to have known you and to have become a part of your family. From the moment we met, you welcomed me into the family with open arms. Having lost my own mother at a young age, I was always thankful for that, and even thought of you as an adoptive mother of sorts. I´ll always cherish the memories we shared, especially those incredible Sunday dinners where you made everyone feel at home.
Michael and I talk about you every day. I see so much of you in him, the way he cares for others, his strength, and his heart. I am so looking forward to having kids of our own so that I can see him emulate you in his role as their father. I know you´d be so proud of him, and we´ll do our best to honor you in how we live and love.
We miss you more than words can say, but I know your spirit is still here with us, guiding us through. Thank you for everything, Mom. <3
Colby Thompson
January 13, 2025
Rebecca / Becca, I still can´t believe you´re gone. You weren´t just my big sister-you were my rock, my inspiration, and the one I always turned to. You had this incredible way of making everything seem possible, even when life felt impossible. I keep thinking about the family camping trips we used to take when we were kids, how you´d insist on making s´mores for everyone and would laugh when I got marshmallow all over my face (even if Mom & Dad didn't find it quite so funny).
You always had such a knack for creating beauty, whether it was in the gardens you designed or the warmth of your home. I can still hear your voice when I walk through a park or see flowers blooming-it feels like you´re still with me in those moments.
I miss you, sis, more than words can say. Thank you for being the amazing sister you were, and for leaving a legacy of love and strength that I´ll carry with me forever. Until we meet again. Love you always, Colby.
Yvette Akins
January 6, 2025
My dearest Rebecca,
Not a day goes by that I don´t think about you and miss you with all my heart. I can't believe it's been almost 2 months since you left us for Heaven. Your step father and I have been leaning on each other as we navigate this immense loss, but there´s no replacing the light you brought into our lives. You were my first baby, my shining star, and the strength you showed throughout your life - especially these past ten years - was beyond inspiring.
I´ve been trying to keep myself busy, but the holidays were so hard without you. Thanksgiving wasn´t the same, and Christmas and New Years felt emptier without your laugh and your warm presence. Jesse and I talk often about how proud we are of the family you created and how you brought everyone together with your love and great food. You always had a way of making every person feel special and welcome.
I hope you´ve found peace, my darling, and I hope you know how deeply you are loved and missed by everyone who knew you. I promise to keep your memory alive, and to support George, Michael, Anna, and Kelly however I can. Rest easy, my sweet girl.
Love always,
Mom
Anna Shaw
January 1, 2025
Mom, it´s the start of a new year, and all I can think about is how much I wish you were here to share it with us. You taught me so much about kindness, resilience, and finding beauty in the little things - lessons I´m holding on to now more than ever. I miss our talks, your laugh, and the way you always seemed to know exactly what to say to make everything better.
Your Sunday dinners were the glue that held us all together, and though they´ll never be the same without you, I promise to keep your tradition alive. It won´t be easy, but I know you´d want us to stay close and keep loving each other as fiercely as you loved us.
I hope you know how much we love you, Mom, and how deeply your absence is felt every day. You were our heart, and though we´re broken without you, we´ll do our best to honor your memory in everything we do. I love you, always.
Michael Shaw
December 23, 2024
My mom Rebecca Shaw taught me everything I know. She was the heart of our family and my greatest role model. Her love and warmth was what made our home and she would just bring everyone together when Dad came home from work. It was great. She was a stickler about those Sunday dinners. If you missed one, you better have had a good reason! :slightly_smiling_face: One of my favorite memories was going to the park and playing with her and my father. I feel blessed to have had such a great childhood thanks to her. The angels are surely loving your company, but down here we miss you, Mom!
Deborah Mills
December 16, 2024
To my dearest Rebecca / Becca / Bex,
Growing up, you were more than just my big sister - you were my role model, my confidante, and my greatest cheerleader. I'll forever cherish our Wednesday afternoon coffee dates where we'd talk for hours, and how you never failed to make me laugh even during the hardest times. You taught me so much about strength and grace, especially over these past ten years. The way you transformed every space you touched - whether it was a city park or our family dinner table - was pure magic. Those Sunday dinners at your house were sacred, and I'll miss watching you welcome everyone with open arms and that radiant smile of yours. The world feels dimmer without your light in it. Until we meet again, dear sister. Love always, Deborah
George Shaw
December 9, 2024
Rebecca my darling... I'm lost with out you. The kids have all been amazing but I'm barely holding it together. I can't believe I have to take Kelly to college by myself next fall. I can't stand the idea that you won't be there next to us when she graduates high school. I don't know how to do this single father thing. You were always the one who knew what to say when they were having trouble. Hell... you were always the one who knew what to say when I was having trouble myself! I so badly want to join you up there but I know I need to put my feelings a side for the kids. Its what you'd have wanted. I love and miss you so much Rebecca!
Robert Thompson
December 2, 2024
Its been almost 3 weeks since we lost our daughter . Rebecca... I hope you hear us up there . We miss you more than words can say . Thanksgiving was bittersweet without you... The whole family was together as always but your absence was palpable . Mom tried making your garlic mashed potatoes but it just wasnt the same !! I just wanted to say that it was the privelege of my life to be your father for more than 50 years . You always made me and your mother so proud . Your spirit lives on in Michael Anna and Kelly . I hope youre at peace . At least youre no longer in pain . We love you forever, princess !!!
Kelly Shaw (Rebecca's daughter)
November 25, 2024
I can't believe my mother is gone. She was truly the rock of our family. My siblings and I miss her dearly, and the tears won't stop coming. Thank you to the community for your outpouring of support in our time of grief - the company was a welcome diversion for our poor father who has lost his partner and, like all of us, is struggling to figure out what to do with himself in this sad new reality.
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