Shrewsbury – Susan G. Shaw, 77, of Shrewsbury MA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 17 at Southgate at Shrewsbury with her husband of 55 years, Preston A. Shaw, by her side. Susan was born and raised in Gloucester, MA to Angela (Silveira) Griffin and Wilfred Roy Griffin.
In addition to her husband, Susan leaves daughters: Jennifer Somers and husband John, and Kate Shaw and husband Izzy Cruz, all of Worcester MA; sisters Dianne Andreoli of Boca Raton FL and Nancy Whynott of Saugus MA; brother Dana Griffin and wife Leah of Rockport MA; and six grandchildren she adored: Bryan, Matthew, Colin and Maggie McCarthy, and Wyatt and Carolyn Somers. Also important in her life has been niece Amy Morrill.
Susan graduated from Gloucester HS and went on to graduate from Boston University as one of the first six women enrolled in the School of Business Management. After raising her children she entered the business world, spending 24 years with Worcester/Harleysville Insurance Company, rising to a team leadership position in Commercial Underwriting.
As an at-home mom in Newburyport, Susan was active in the schools and was a Girl Scout leader, at the time assembling a Junior troop of 20+ middle school girls. She was a fabulous cook and the highlight of many summers in Shrewsbury, was an authentic, not-to-be-missed BBQ hosted for family, friends and neighbors. As an avid reader she belonged to several book clubs over the years and each day began with the most difficult crossword puzzle she could find. Most recently she learned to play Mah Jongg.
BU sports became a cherished part of Susan’s life as she and her husband held season tickets for Men’s Ice Hockey for more than 25 years. Since 1994, Susan attended all but 5 of the NCAA Frozen Four finals. She also proudly supported the BU Men’s and Women’s basketball teams.
In her retirement years, she enjoyed trips around the country, and several trips to the Azores, homeland of her maternal grandparents. Susan gave back to her community by serving two terms on the Shrewsbury Council on Aging.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at the Chiampa Funeral Home, 5 Church Road on the Common, Shrewsbury Center on Tuesday, September 26 from 3-7PM. A private Funeral Mass will be held in the Chapel at Southgate at Shrewsbury.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Susan’s name can be made to Shrewsbury Youth & Family Services (syfs-ma.org) 222 Maple Ave, Shrewsbury MA 01545.
