Roberta M. Shaw, Evansville, WI (1939-2014)
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October 4, 1939 - December 2, 2014
Roberta M. Shaw, age 75, of Evansville, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, at home, surrounded by her loving family, following a brief illness. Roberta was born on Oct. 4, 1939, in Rockford, IL, the daughter of Robert Vorpahl and Marian (Barton) Vorpahl Stenehjem. She graduated from Park Falls High School in northern Wisconsin, and earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau-Claire. After graduating from college, Roberta followed the love of her life, J. Peter Shaw, from the north woods to settle in southern Wisconsin. She taught second grade at both Jefferson Elementary School in Janesville, and Evansville Elementary School. When her first child was born, Roberta was thrilled and proud to become a stay-at-home mom. While devoting her non-stop energy to her family, Roberta still found time to stay involved with the Evansville School District as a substitute teacher, yearbook advisor, and education liaison for homebound students. Later in life, Roberta enjoyed serving as the secretary of the Congregational United Church of Christ for 15 years.
If there was a community cause or person in need, Roberta offered support with enthusiasm and love. Whether it was spearheading safety campaigns for Jaycettes, enjoying enriching comradery with her Happy Homemakers group, providing homemade baked goods for loved ones, offering transportation to those without, or being an official baby “Cuddler” at Meriter Hospital, Roberta found joy in supporting others. Many students experienced her kindness through the years. Her own children did not know that “store-bought” cookies existed until much later in life. In recent years, Roberta enthusiastically volunteered for AWARE in Evansville, an agency devoted to providing support for economically and socially disadvantaged community members.
Roberta is survived by her husband of nearly 51 years (plus 10 years of dating), J. Peter Shaw of Evansville; her daughter, Stacie Shaw of Minneapolis; her son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Sheri Shaw of Evansville; her amazing grandson, Alex Shaw of Footville; and her sister, Helen Bader of Park Falls, WI. Roberta also leaves behind many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors. Roberta was preceded in death by her parents.
A Celebration of Roberta’s Life will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, at CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 112 W. Church St. in Evansville, with Reverend Dr. Luke Bocher officiating. Friends may call on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014 from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service. Online condolences may be made at www.wardhurtley.com.
In Roberta’s memory, memorials may be made to: AWARE in Evansville, or the Congregational/UCC Memorial Fund.
“When loved ones become memories,
Memories become treasures.”
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