Donna Marie Shaw

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother Donna Marie Shaw on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at the Long-Term Care Residence of the Village of Humber Heights at the age of 97. Predeceased by her second husband Donald “Don” Frederick Shaw (2019) and first husband John “Jack” Kerlin Scott (2008). Dearly loved and missed by her children, Elaine and Brian (Patty), and step-children Colleen Shaw, Diane (Art) Payne, and step-daughter-in-law Marion Shaw. Loving grandmother “Nana” of Liam, Andrew, Trevor, Scott, and Melissa, and step-grandchildren Barbara, Donna, Laura, Gary, Mark, Pamela, Christopher, Michael, and Laurel, and 15 step-great grandchildren. Predeceased by her daughter Janet (Jelf), step-daughter Kathryn, step-son Glenn, sister Betty, brother James, Don’s brothers George (Pat) Shaw and Clarence “Dude” Shaw, and his sisters Claire (Ken) Lahie, Marion Allan, Beth (Glen) Munro and Millie (Bill) Mayberry, and Jack’s sisters Marjorie (Ted) Hunt of Regina, Sheila (Lorne) Rowell of Victoria, and his brother Frank (Jean) Scott of Chilliwack, and her parents James “Jim” Rickman and Marie Helen (nee Lentz) Andrews of Illinois and Sault Ste. Marie. Fondly remembered by Don’s brother Jim (Dorothy) Shaw, sister-in-law Alice Black, Jack’s niece Lyn Barnett, and her many friends and extended family. Special thanks to neighbours Rick and Pat Harold for their caring friendship. After exemplary standing throughout her education, for which she was awarded several prizes, Donna trained as a nurse, a dental assistant, and later worked as an accountant with the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario. She strongly believed in church and community service and was a long-term member of Kingsway-Lambton United Church where she taught Sunday School and was a beloved Girl Guide leader mentoring and facilitating varied skills and independence in young girls, including leading camping trips and teaching outdoor survival skills. Later she served as District Commissioner. It seemed our garage was always full of tents, cooking equipment and outdoor gear, as well as our cedar-strip canoe, or acted as a distribution depot filled with stacks of cartons of Girl Guide cookies. Astonishingly, she remembered and used all of her various knot-tying skills for the rest of her life. After moving with Don to Dundas, they were long-term members of St. Paul’s United Church and sang with their “Thursday Afternoon Singers”. While “snowbirds”, they enjoyed their community at their winter residence in Lake Placid, Florida. With a sunny disposition, she was always ready to help, loved to laugh and was kind, generous and giving. Donna described herself as conscientious and possessed a keen sense of duty. Formerly active in Toronto at the Boulevard Club, she also curled at the High Park Club. She was passionate about the arts and loved attending classical concerts, musicals, ballet, opera and theatre as well as art galleries and museums. An accomplished artist, she further honed her craft at the Dundas Valley School of Art. Her paintings are much admired. Other interests included travel, playing bridge, nature walks, gardens, design, decorating, sewing and fashion. Watching classical Hollywood cinema and period drama was another favourite pastime. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed entertaining. Donna was very social and loved to be with family, friends and neighbours. She valued exchanging correspondence with many far-flung friends and relations. Her treasured friendship from childhood with Donna Collins (nee Kenny) spanned 95 years. Devoted to her parents’ care, Jack’s mother Jean's care, and she tenderly cared for Don. Loved by all who knew her, and affectionately remembered. A long life, well lived.

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held at a later date followed by a private interment. If you so wish, donations to St. Paul’s United Church, Dundas, or the Canadian Cancer Society may be made in her memory. Condolences can be made on-line at www.marlattfhdundas.com.