In Memoriam: Stephanie Shaw, 1974-2021
We sadly report the death, at age 46, of Stephanie Shaw. Daughter of Marilyn Oakley and Bob Shaw, she taught at Instituto San Angel Inn here. She long suffered from muscular myositis, which causes muscle weakness.
Her cousin Adrienne Shaw delivered the eulogy (below) during the funeral at church on October 6:
I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. – Maya Angelou
Thank you to all who have come today to celebrate Stephanie’s life. It is always hard to say goodbye to a loved one. They leave taking with them a piece of your heart, and leave behind memories to be cherished and lessons to be learned.
Stephanie, you had the best smile and attitude towards anything you did. You were an open book and so easy to talk to. Life certainly dealt you many challenges, but you took each one on with grace and strength.
Being one of the younger cousins, many of us had to watch out for you, make sure you were safe and you would always answer with a big smile and your beautiful blue eyes, I can do this; I am okay.
Over the years as we saw you struggle with your condition, and many surgeries and challenges, you would still smile and say to the rest of us, I can do this; I am okay.
I always wondered where you got such strength and passion for life. But I now know: You are a SHAW, after all. We strive forward and overcome any which way we can.
You loved family above all else, and I don’t think that any aunt was more excited to meet their nieces and nephews than you.
The last Thanksgiving we spent together, walking was a little bit more challenging for you and you asked me for help. I will always remember saying to you ,“I got you, prima,” and your response was, “Then I am okay.”
Stephanie, know that you leave a big space here that will be filled with memories and all of our love for you, and we will be okay because you taught us all how to say, “I can do this. I am okay.”
Besos, prima. I love you!