Virginia "Diane" Shaw

Virginia “Diane” Shaw, 84, passed away peacefully April 30, 2021 after a long battle with lung cancer. Diane was born December 16, 1936 in Goose Creek, Texas to Robert and Virginia Gilmore. Her father’s job had the family moving often, so Diane grew up around east Texas and Louisiana, but the family considered Nacogdoches, Texas home. After graduating from Roy Miller High School in Corpus Christi, Diane attended Stephen F. Austin State University where she met her soulmate, a long legged basketball player named Murray Shaw. Murray and Diane married in July of 1955 and moved to Austwell-Tivoli, Texas before landing in Austin in 1961. It was there they would make their forever home. Raising four children, Diane was more than busy. She was on the move with little league sports, PTA, school, and drill team, and being the “other Mother” to countless of her children’s friends. She was always available with an ear to listen and supported her family, friends, and the many kids she came to love as her own. From Arbor Lane to Bayton Loop, south Austin people knew where to come for a glass of her world famous sweet tea, advice, good conversation, some laughs, and an occasional glass of wine. Her southern hospitality always made you feel her home was your home and you were family.

Diane was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, and shortly afterwards, her husband of 45 years lost his own battle with cancer. She could have folded tent and given up, but Diane Shaw would go on to define the meaning of courage, faith, perseverance, and living. She endured countless medical appointments, surgeries, and treatments, all while faithfully being a Mom, DD, sister, aunt, great aunt, and friend. Her greatest love was her family; she was happiest with her children and grandchildren around. She wanted nothing more than to be with them as long as she could. Her faith never wavered, and she fought until our Lord called her home.

Diane is predeceased by her parents, husband Murray Shaw and son Joe Shaw. She is survived by her sister Judy and husband Ken Dixon; sons Bob and wife Rene and Bill and wife Dana; daughter Amy and husband Sachin Parekh; and grandchildren Alyssa and Reagan Shaw and Evan Parekh.

Bob, Bill, and Amy would like to thank Dr. Carsten Kampe, Dr. Dennis Tweedy, Dr. Thomas Tucker, and the staff at Texas Oncology for never giving up on Mom. To the staff and caregivers at Watermark of Southpark Meadows, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for loving Mom and filling in for us during 2020 when we could not see her. Heartfelt love and appreciation to her caregivers Jasmine and Vickie of Halcyon for their constant care, love, kindness, and support these last several months. Lastly, we are eternally grateful for the ongoing love and support from her wonderful neighbors and friends.

Visitation will take place Thursday May 13, 5:00-8:00PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas 78749. Services will be held Friday May 14, 11:00AM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks with a graveside and reception to follow.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SPCA Austin, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, or the charity of your choice.