In Memory

Barbara Lee Shaw

Barbara Lee Shaw

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our exceptional classmate, Barbara Shaw, on October 17, 2013. She died peacefully, at home, surrounded by her husband, her children, her granddaughters, and her "sister friends," including classmates, Charlene Goss and Faye Fuller Reed. Memorial events will take place at later dates in Kenya, Paris, St. Croix, and the South Carolina sea coast, all places she loved.
 
Barbara was a much loved woman, and her passing has broken many hearts. Close friends will gather today, Sunday, October 20, in Barbara's honor in her home.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maasai Girls' Education Fund, which she created in 1999 with Charlene Goss. The powerful story of Barbara's dedication to educating Maasai girls in Kenya and the founding of MGEF is on her website, maasaigirlseducation.org.
 
She will be missed around the world.



 
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10/20/13 12:56 PM #1    

Jean Murray (Slemmons)

It was a definite shock to read the e-mail/notice of the passing of Barbara. I had only this summer realized what wonderful work she was doing with the Massai women in Africa and had communicated with her on this wonderful website, and am so proud of her accomplishments as a fellow classmate.

I did not realize that she had been (I assume) ill - my condolences to her family - I pray that her efforts for these African girls/women will continue in her honor.

10/20/13 01:49 PM #2    

Grace DeMoreland (Haskins)

I am so overwhelmingly sad to hear of Barbara's passing.  I am sure she has touched the lives of all of our classmates in some way.  I have so many memories of her:  the p.j. parties; a pool party at her house where the girls went skinning dipping and Granny caught us; the time she and I laughed so hard we peed our pants on the steps of our dorm at UM; being in each other's weddings and living in the apartment development behind Glass Manor; and on and on.

Barbara's positive force has touched many of us along the way and we will always have that. I know the work she has done to educate the Maasai girls and women will continue.  What a great legacy!

 

Larry and I send our deepest sympathy to the entire family. 

May you rest in peace my dear friend.

 

 

 


10/20/13 03:52 PM #3    

Mary Anita Griffin (Kahler)

Barbara opened her home to me in high school and I enjoyed swimming and dancing to tunes on the jukebox housed in the pool house.  She was a very kind person and always had a warm and friendly smile.  I know her family will miss her and my heart goes out to her family, and her close friends.


10/20/13 05:43 PM #4    

C. Dianne Briggs (Martin)

I was so sad and shocked to hear of Barbara's passing.  Like Jean Murray, I just recently found out about the incredible work Barbara was doing to help educate the Masai girls.   The world is a better place because of her loving spirit and generous soul.  Her legacy lives on in the girls whose lives she has changed.  My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Dianne Briggs Martin


10/21/13 12:59 PM #5    

Marshall Smith

I had always thought Barbara was the quintessentially beautiful, classy and fun person when we were in high school and when we were all hanging out at her home and pool. I very much admired the issues and causes she championed in her adult life. For me, she will remain a bright star. I can still hear her voice and her laugh.

And to have left a legacy of such important contributions to the lives of others - truly admirable and something to be treasured.

My condolences to her family and her friends, especially Faye and Charlene. 

 


10/21/13 02:18 PM #6    

Joyce Heinbuch (Pruyn)

Learning of a life lost to us here is always a shock.  My heart is saddened by the news of Barbara's death. However, what an incredible legacy because of the amazing difference her life has made in the lives of so many others.  The world is a better place because of the generous sharing of her gifts and her passions. 

 

I offer my condolences and prayers on behalf of her family and close friends as they walk through the sadness and grief of this huge loss.  May their hearts be warmed through the years by the memories of their love for her and the shared experience of a life well lived.

 

Warmly,

 

Joyce Heinbuch Brors

 

 


10/21/13 06:03 PM #7    

Stanley Duvall

I was shocked when I got the e-mail of Barbara's passing. She was a wonderful person that gave so much of her time and energy to a wonderful cause. She will surely be missed.


10/26/13 10:40 AM #8    

Dianne Repetti (Harman)

So sorry to hear of Barbara's passing. What a wonderful legacy she left behind !


10/26/13 04:31 PM #9    

Robert Stone

So sorry to read of Barbara's passing. She did some wonderful things in life, how fulfilled she must have felt. All that knew her will miss her. The death of another classmate is always hard to swallow.  Saying a prayer for her family and friends. Bob


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