Stacey Elaine Shaw

Our miracle child, Stacey Elaine Shaw, at the age of 42, was finally able to run and jump into the arms of her angel mother Saturday evening, January 4, 2025 as she departed her mortal mission and began her heavenly one.

Stacey was born to Ronald and Caralyn Shaw on June 16, 1982 in Salt Lake City, UT. Quickly after birth they realized something was different about Stacey. Stacey was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Campomelic Dysplasia, which severely affected her bones, lungs, and airway. She was given a life expectancy of 30 days, and a definite no more than two years. Though it was far from easy, thanks to the extraordinary, diligent, and inspired care given to Stacey by her parents, she not only surpassed her original life expectancy, she completely crushed it!!

The first two years of her life were met with many challenges, including constant respiratory arrests and calls for the ambulance. Primary Children’s Hospital became somewhat of a second home to Stacey, as well as Caralyn and Ron. They formed special friendships with many of the doctors and nurses there. Some of the nurses even offered to tend Stacey in her home so that Ron and Caralyn could have a break from time to time. Much love and gratitude to Dr. Art Gardner, without whose ardent support and advocacy neither Stacey, nor her parents, would have made it.

Throughout her life Stacey underwent several surgeries, including a tracheotomy, gastrostomy, as well as a couple spine surgeries that took place in Minnesota. After one of her spinal surgeries, she was in a body cast and halo for over a year, followed by a body brace for several years. She overcame a lot in her forty-two and a half years of life.

Stacey loved watching movies and listening to music, or at least just having the music playing through her headphones, even though she didn’t have the headphones on. Her favorite movies were Annie, Mary Poppins, Mr Mom, Babes in Toyland, Happiest Millionaire, and Sweatin’ to the Oldies. She adored her Richard Simmons! She wore out multiple VHS tapes, DVD's and players due to her constant use of them.

Stacey’s favorite place on earth, besides the comfort of her own room, was Disneyland. How she LOVED Disneyland! Her favorite ride was Peter Pan’s Flight. She tolerated Splash Mountain because she knew she would get a picture at the end. And she could navigate that park better than most. But her greatest love at Disneyland were the characters. And the characters loved her! Mickey and Minnie even took over control of her wheelchair one time, pushing her down Main Street, USA. She would let Ron know when she was ready for another trip to Disneyland by casually showing him pictures of previous trips.

Caralyn would sometimes say, “There’s nothing wrong with Stacey. She just doesn’t talk, walk, eat, grow or breathe.” Her body may have been limited but her feisty, strong spirit taught us about love, compassion, sacrifice, acceptance, and endurance. And for that we are eternally grateful. Stacey is a miracle. We will miss having her here but we are beyond excited for her to be free from her physical limitations and to be with so many loved ones on the other side of the veil. Go run, dance, talk, and sing, our sweet Stacey!

Stacey was preceded in death by her mother, Caralyn, her grandparents, Mel and Elaine Staheli, Darwin Shaw, and Norville Craven, as well as aunts and cousins. She is survived by her father and bonus mom: Ronald and Brooke Shaw. Sisters & brothers: Jenny & Dan Herzog, Luke Shaw, Darby Dilleshaw, Josh Dilleshaw, Shannon Dilleshaw. Nieces and nephews: Sydney, Sawyer, Caraline, Madison, Rylee, Pippin & Zaliyah. Grandparents: Geri Craven, Rowena Kenyon, Mike and Chris Kenyon.

Interment will be held Thursday, January 9, 2:00 pm at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3401 S Highland Dr, Salt Lake City, UT. A celebration of life will be held following the interment at 3:30 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints ward building, 932 W Greenoaks Dr, Murray, UT. Please join us in casual or Disney apparel as we remember the joy Stacey brought to this world. Bonus points if you wear Mickey ears!