Joan P. Shaw

Joan is survived by her husband of 65 years, Robert L. “Bob” Shaw; sons Mike Shaw (Jackie), and Mitch Shaw (Ann); grandchildren Brittany Bowab (Ben), Brett Shaw, Amberley Shaw; great-granddaughter Caroline Bowab; sisters Audrey Aiken (Gordon), and Marilyn Slaboda (Frank). She is predeceased by her son Robert L. “Bobby” Shaw Jr., her parents Beatrice and Nelson Picard, and sister Arlene Rook.

Joan was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island where she lived with her parents and three sisters until she met a dashing Navy diver who swept her off her feet and proposed after just one date. They married in 1955 and moved to Charlotte shortly thereafter moving to Mint Hill where they reared their sons. Joan worked as the Mint Hill Town Administrator for ten years and served as the secretary of their church, Wilson Grove Baptist. She also was a member of the Mint Hill Chapter of Eastern Star for over thirty years. Joan developed an affection for poodles early in their marriage and she had many that she loved and cared for.

After retirement, Joan and Bob extensively traveled the country in their fifth-wheel RV. They traveled to almost all 50 states and went to the College Baseball World Series in Omaha, Nebraska every summer for 15 years. Bob and Joan also were also loyal fans of the Carolina Panthers, and have had season tickets each year since their formation. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and a big bowl of "good ice cream", was an avid reader, loved to watch sports, enjoyed knitting, and collecting her “New England Christmas Village” which she would proudly display each year around the holidays.

Joan was lovingly known as “Boo Boo” to her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She loved and valued her family more than anything else. Whether it was going to a swim meet, traveling for baseball games, or just calling to check in, she always made sure to let everyone know she cared. Boo Boo enjoyed the simple things in life, had a great gift for listening and was always gentle in spirit. She was never in too much of a hurry and never too busy to listen to someone or help however she could. From her sweet friend who helped keep her house, to the kind man who took care of their yard, to the lady who groomed her dogs, and countless others - Joan cared deeply about everyone in her life no matter how their paths crossed. She considered many people as “family” because her heart was so big.

Above all, Joan cherished her faith and her relationship with Jesus Christ. Although it was harder to attend church in person for the last few years, Joan and Bob faithfully watched Pastor Mike at Indian Trail Baptist each Sunday and were especially blessed by the preaching and music. She sought to live out her faith and as an example to others. Never pushing her faith on others, she sought to minister through her love and kindness. Throughout many difficult times in her life, she always relied on her faith in Christ and her eternal hope to give her strength. In these very uncertain times and circumstances, Joan was confident where the source of her strength and faith was. She is undoubtedly now rejoicing in Heaven with the Savior she served so faithfully and her sweet son Bobby, whom she longed to be reunited with for the past 61 years.

With her passing, there will be a void that can never be filled, and a legacy that will live through many generations. She will be immeasurably missed, but will be thought of and remembered whenever someone’s nose gets “buttered” on their birthday, or when someone serves a red-velvet-cake or pineapple casserole, or whenever we see a cardinal. For the many years of love, and for the memories that we all hold dear, we are so very grateful.

Condolences may be offered online at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.