Audrey Therese Shaw

Audrey Therese Shaw (nee Nowacki), 93 of Hoffman Estates, formerly of Menifee, CA and Mt. Prospect, IL until 1979, answered Our Lord's call peacefully on June 16, 2025. Audrey survived her beloved husband of 62 years - John Merle Shaw. Audrey is the beloved mother of Darrell (Theresa), Leonard (Jennifer), Randall (Donna), Patrick (Patricia), Les (Becky), Marion, and Denise (Anton) Tabar; cherished grandmother of Jordan, Stephanie (Nick) Benyo, Jason, Jeffrey (Mandy), Kaitlin (Joe) Becker, Kellie (Drew) Tonnesen, Timothy, Lindsay (Adam) Rutta, Kevin (Kristen), Kyle (Katelyn), Wesley (Shannon), Gabriel, Brian, Melody (Nick) Ferry, Maxwell (Mary), Andrew (Anika), Zachary, Kristina Tabar, Joshua, Jacob, Hannah (Dale) Henry, Dustin Tabar, Courtney, and Charity (Ethan) Hansen; and a loving great-grandmother of 19.
Audrey was born and raised in Chicago. She earned her bachelor's degree in music education from DePaul University where she met her husband, John, who also graduated with a music education Degree. She and John taught piano and organ throughout their careers. They both played and sang for church services. Audrey had a heavenly singing voice. They were members of the Music Teachers' Association of California.
Sounds of music were in their minds and hearts throughout their years of marriage, enriching their lives and ours. They performed duo-piano concerts and together entertained family and friends in their home. Audrey had always dreamed of playing the harp. Later in life she learned to play it and played professionally for 11 years.
Audrey taught kindergarten, first and third grade for 14 years and set up the first kindergarten program at St. James Catholic School in Perris, California. In her retirement, Audrey read a lot, embroidered, and enjoyed playing cards and games.
Audrey achieved her calling in raising a family of 7 children. She was uniquely gifted to nurture a family rich in faith and love. Her devotion to God and His Blessed Mother brought her strength, selflessness, wisdom, and compassion. She had the temerity to challenge unacceptable behavior and set limits, yet respect and encourage her children's individuality and life choices.
She was a cherished Grandmother and GiGi whose love and wisdom will live on. Hers was a lifetime of love and devotion to God and family.
Audrey will be laid to rest on Monday June 30, 2025. Respects can be paid in the church Narthex from 9:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM.
Holy Archangels Parish (St. Huberts)
729 Grand Canyon Street
Hoffman Estates, IL. 60169
847-885-7700
"In lieu of flowers", the family is requesting donations to the Carmelite Nuns at https://stjosephsassociation.org, or for Ascension Illinois Foundation at https://www.ascensionillinoisfoundation.org/give.
Under designation, please choose "Alexian Brothers Hospice Residence and Programs" (this is their Area of Greatest Need fund). -Check the box marked "Tribute Gift". You will prompted to choose In Memory of and they will write the name Audrey Therese Shaw.
-Check the box marked "please notify the following person of my gift (Randy Shaw or Pat Shaw)
Donations can also be mailed to either the Foundation office in Bolingbrook or directly to the Hospice Residence (some people feel more comfortable doing that directly or dropping off in person). Mail to:
Ascension Alexian Brothers Hospice Residence, Attn: Molly Bubb, 901 Martha St., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007