Mary Ann McLaughlin Shaw

In Loving Memory of Mary Ann McLaughlin Shaw 

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved family matriarch, Mary Ann McLaughlin Shaw. Born in 1939, Mary and her twin brother, Frank Reed McLaughlin Jr., came into this world as the cherished children of Virginia Mae McLaughlin (née Wilson) and Frank Reed McLaughlin Sr., in Arlington, Virginia.

Frank Sr. worked as a labor mediator for the Federal Government, leading the family to travel frequently during Mary’s early years, with stops in Mobile, Alabama, Marietta, Georgia, and Mexico City, Mexico. Tragically, Frank Sr. passed away when Mary and Frank were still young. The family returned to Arlington, where Virginia, with the support of her parents and extended family, raised her two children.

During high school, fate brought Mary together with a dashing young man, William Edward Shaw III, on a blind date. The two married in 1958 and began their life together in Arlington. They were blessed with three children: William Edward Shaw IV, Mary Katherine Shaw, and Linda Mae Shaw. In 1969, the family relocated to Lynchburg, Virginia, where their fourth child, Susan Rebekah Shaw, was born.

In 1972, a final work transfer brought the family to the scenic mountain region of Asheville, North Carolina, where they settled for good. Mary quickly embraced her new community and continued nurturing her family in a home filled with love, faith, and warmth.

Mary’s Christian faith was the cornerstone of her life. She lived her faith by example, tirelessly serving her church and community. Her generosity and dedication were evident in her countless hours of volunteer work—a commitment she maintained throughout her life.

After raising her children, when most people might contemplate slowing down, Mary embarked on a new adventure. She earned a nursing degree and worked for nearly a decade at an allergy clinic in Asheville. Her compassionate care and professionalism touched the lives of many patients and colleagues.

Following the passing of her beloved husband, William, in 2000, Mary found solace and joy in a cozy home in Weaverville, North Carolina. There, she continued to serve her church, her neighbors, and her family with steadfast devotion. In 2018, Mary moved to Givens Estate in South Asheville, where she spent her final years surrounded by love and community.

Mary leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and faith. She is survived by her twin brother, Frank Reed McLaughlin Jr., her four children: William Edward Shaw IV (spouse Lourdes Shaw), Mary Katherine Shaw (spouse Elizabeth Chesnut), Linda Mae Shaw (spouse Greg Gambrel), and Susan Rebekah Shaw (spouse David Penland). She also leaves eight beloved grandchildren: William Nolan Shaw, Adam Harrington Gambrel, Edward Christopher Shaw, Clara McKinley Gambrel, Dakota Charles Penland, Matthew Wilson Shaw, Zebulon David Penland, and Nathanial Robert Penland.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Mary’s memory are encouraged to support her favorite charitable organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, 33 Meadow Road, Asheville, NC 28803; Manna Food Bank, 99 Broadpointe Dr., Mills River, NC 28759; Beloved Asheville, 32 Old Charlotte Hwy., Asheville, NC 28803; ABCCM, 1845 Brevard Rd., Arden, NC 28704; and Haywood Street Congregation, 297 Haywood St., Asheville, NC 28801. And in Mary’s spirit of caring for the Earth, please remember to recycle.

Mrs. Shaw’s memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, December 21, 2024, in the Chapel of West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville with Chaplain Brenda Lewis officiating. The family will greet friends following the memorial service.

Burial will be at 12 noon on Friday, December 27, 2024 in Ivy Hill Cemetery in Alexandria, VA.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be serving the Shaw family. Condolences may be offered to the family under her obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.