Mary Louise Shaw

Mary Louise Shaw, 96, of Lakewood, California passed away in her home on December 7, 2022. Her place of residence for the past 55 years. Mary was born on August 16, 1926 in Harbor City California, the daughter of Esther (Hernandez) and Paul Negrete. She is the second youngest of five children. Mary graduated from Banning High School in Wilmington, CA and attended community college for a year before starting work at Long Beach Naval Base in the Naval disbursement office.

While working in the Navy disbursement office she met her husband, Robert (Bob) Shaw. Shortly after marrying, they departed California for the various Navy duty stations Robert was assigned to: US Territory of Guam, Canadian province of Newfoundland, Norfolk, Virginia, Des Moines Iowa, Washington, Honolulu Hawaii. Returning to California seventeen years later with their young sons, David and James, they settled in Lakewood.

Mary dedicated herself to raising her sons David and James while making a loving home for her family. She was adored and loved by her sons, she provided them an abundance of unconditional love, kindness and optimism that served as a lifelong role model to them. She occasionally worked part time as a noon duty monitor, nurse’s assistant, audio visual specialists, and office clerk in various local schools.  When her sons were in high school, she, at the age of 53, accepted a full-time office clerk at a junior high school, retiring after twelve years. With her kindness and thoughtfulness, she made a positive impact on many students.

Mary enjoyed helping and spending time with her parents and loved visiting with her brothers, sister, grandchildren, extended family and neighbors. She enjoyed dancing, being with and making friends, her social clubs and traveling.  Her travels took her to various countries, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, France, and more. She was a lifelong mover: always kept active and moved her body, whether it was volley ball, walking, swimming, riding a bike, gong to Crunch gym or work around the house. This approach to her health and life continued up through her last days. Her positiveness, kindness and genuine interest in others will be missed.

Mary is survived by son and daughter-in-law, David and Michelle Shaw, of Mount Pleasant South Carolina; son and daughter-in-law, James and Michele Shaw of Denver Colorado; grandchildren, Alex and Amanda (David & Michele) both of Mount Pleasant South Carolina and Rebecca and Stephen (James & Michele) of Arlington Virginia and Aurora, CO, and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Robert Shaw; her partner of the last 24 years, Ernest Espinoza; her parents, Esther (Hernandez) and Paul Negrete; Sister, Erma Cantu; and Brothers, Ruben Negrete, Adolph Negrete and Freddie Negrete.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401