Margaret G. Shaw, 95, passed away on August 10, 2023. Margaret was born in Pensacola, Florida to Stephen and Julia Kish Gothard.
A first generation American, Margaret earned a bachelor’s degree from Huntingdon College and a master’s from Auburn University.
She began her career working in the test kitchens at PET Milk in St. Louis, Missouri, before her marriage to Ashland Shaw. During her years as a minister’s wife, she worked with a Cordon Bleu-trained chef and then became a registered dietitian working in hospitals and nursing homes. She also managed her catering business for many years.
Margaret’s life revolved around cooking and creating wonderful gourmet dishes and delicious baked goods for family and friends. Even in her nineties, she could be found in her kitchen cooking along with “Julia and Jacques” on PBS.
Margaret is survived by her children, Nelson (JulieAnn) of Boonville, Wesley (Kathy) of Lafayette and Suzanne of Springfield, Missouri. She is also survived by her grandchildren Eric Shaw (Cassy Wass), Lee Shaw (Meg), Charles Baker, and McKenzie Mooney; great granddaughters Mia Shaw and Ruby Mooney; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ashland D. Shaw; her son, Randall Shaw; her sister, Helen Gothard; and her brother, Edwin Gothard.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ashland and Margaret Shaw United Methodist Church Scholarship fund through Main Street United Methodist Church in Boonville or the Warrick County Humane Society.
The family would like to thank Mom’s neighbors on Pioneer Drive and the members of Main Street UMC for their friendship and daily support. This has been a blessing beyond measure. Additionally, we would like to thank Dr. Syed Ali, doctor and friend to both Margaret and Ashland. We would also like to thank her caregivers Sharon, Carol and Vicki, who enabled her to spend her last year at home enjoying her beloved screen porch where she could watch the birds, squirrels and other wildlife with Missy, her cat, in her lap.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 26 at Mainstreet United Methodist Church in Boonville, Indiana. Visitation will be held from 9-11a.m. with the service following at 11 a.m.
Larry and Mary Jo Houseman says
May the Holy Spirit of Christ continue to guide you and yours through the changes and choices in your lives.
Heaven’s gain is surely our loss.
Sam Chizmar says
We have wonderful memories of all of you, The Shaw’s. Your Mother had a smile that could lift one’s heart, and, of course, direct you to some delicious food. Two thing’s stand out: the coconut cake made with fresh grated coconut. None of the stuff in a plastic bag for your Mom. And Jambalaya, the first I’d ever had, and to this day, I will restaurant menus for Jambalaya.
Your family holds a special historic place in our lives. I remember Jan 1, 1973, we shared New Year’s Day Dinner. Our baby was due in two weeks. Nan and your Mom were doing the Woman-to-woman Mother thing. “You might pack a bag tomorrow, just in case”. Too late, that thought. I think we had to rush to the hospital at 4:00am. for Jenny’s birthday. 😱She turned fifty, and her children are eleven and thirteen. Apparently this site doesn’t send pics. We love you all.
Suzie Shaw says
Sam- I love your memories of Mom and our families. Love to you, Nan, Jenny and her family.
Suzie
Brad Miller says
Margaret was an incredible woman of grace, and good cheer, and a fantastic cook and hostess for church events. I was privileged to serve as the Associate Pastor of First UMC-New Castle under Ashland as my first pastoral appointment (1983-1986). One of the great joys of that appointment was the wonderful staff dinners (and breakfasts) we had at Margaret and Ashland’s immaculate home. I think I can still taste and indeed smell those gooey cinnamon rolls that she made. Thank you, Margeret for a pleasant memory. Peace be with you.
Marilyn Yoder says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family, especially Wes and Kathy, who are friends from our Memorial Presbyterian Church in Dayton, IN. I hope your great family memories will help you through this difficult time. May God bless you 🙏.