Joyce Eileen Shaw

URBANA – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joyce Eileen Shaw, 96, on Nov. 20, 2025. Mom was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. Mom lived a life defined by love, resilience, and unwavering compassion.

She was born on Jan. 10, 1929, in Fort Wayne, Ind., to Frances ("Blondie") & James Snyder.

Mom was a beacon of strength and wisdom to all who knew her. She dedicated her life to her family with our father Bill, raising 5 children with love and care. Her house was constantly alive with cheerful laughter, a welcoming atmosphere, and the inviting scent of her famous home-cooked dishes.

Mom owned and operated her hair-styling salon for 25 years, where days were filled with laughter alongside her friends Connie Loehr, Sue (Higbee) Poe, Bobby Mumford, Linda Pastori, and Joann Moore.

Also, Mom was a bright light in the recovery community. As a devoted Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor for over 47 years, she touched countless lives with her empathy, encouragement, and steadfast belief in the power of second chances & a kick in the pants, if needed! Her words of wisdom and her ability to listen without judgment left an indelible mark on everyone she mentored. Mom maintained numerous friendships within AA, among them included Mary & Dewey Casto, Marie (Bacon) Ulrich, Pam Bean, Phil Bean, Margaret Fraley, Lori Cook, and Joe Donahoe.

Mom will be remembered for her kindness, gentle smile, and love of simple pleasures. She loved cooking, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. Family and friends regularly gathered in Mom's kitchen to share laughter and warmth.

She is survived by her 5 children Steve (Debbie), Scott (Sandy), Jayme (Toby), Connie, and Fritzi (Geoff), 11 grandchildren Hugh (Lee), Haylee, Gayle (Avi), Ross (Jenn), Jill, Joe (Hyerin), Jimmy (Jennifer), Annie (Brad), Will, Casey, and Neil, 15 great-grandchildren Jake, Mary, Will, Ethan (Caroline), Taylor, Eli, Orin, Tyson, Rocco, Esther, Arthur, Gabriel, Alice, Zelda, Leia, who will carry her legacy of love and compassion forward. She is now with Dad, her brothers Brad Snyder & Phil Snyder, as well as her extended family forever.

A celebration of life & memorial honoring Mom's life will take place in Urbana in the spring of 2026. An announcement and invitation will be published in the Urbana Daily Citizen one to two weeks prior to the event. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choice, continuing her mission of hope and healing.

Her attitude was a steady source of comfort and strength, inspiring those around her to find hope even in the hardest times. Mom found great joy in sharing stories, passing down family traditions, and celebrating every milestone – big or small – with heartfelt enthusiasm.

Mom's memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched. May her spirit guide us as we strive to live with the same grace and compassion she so effortlessly conveyed.