Cathy M. Shaw

 Our beloved sister, aunt, and friend Cathy M. Shaw went to be in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on November 15, 2023, surrounded by her family.  Cathy was born on July 25, 1955, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the daughter of Leonard J. and Myrtie (Strong) Shaw.   Cathy loved her radio and listening to music.  Her favorite restaurant was McDonald’s, especially French fries and burgers. Cathy’s eye site was limited but her family said that she could smell a McDonald’s from a mile away.  She loved holding babies and bottle feeding them. When Cathy was a little girl, she would go and scoot herself outdoors to where the farm animals were so she could pet them all. She just loved all the animals and they loved her. Cathy was full of life, she loved her radio and listening to music, she loved singing, and when she would hear one of her favorites she would say “There it is”. One of her most favorite songs was “Elvira” by the Oak Ridge boys. Cathy would swing back and forth to the song, that was her way of dancing. Whenever you were around her and said something funny, she would never forget it. If Cathy was in a room and the T.V. was on, it needed to be shut off because all the attention had to be on her only.  She was always the center of attention.  There was always something about us killing flies that she would crack up about and she thought it was the funniest thing ever and she would say “Did you get it”.  Cathy loved going for rides with her care provider, Imelda, they never returned home without stopping by to get fries and a burger.  Cathy loved all her nieces and nephews but especially David she would call “Bave” and Matt she would call “Maffew”.  After Cathy’s Mom passed away, her brother Bill became her provider, whom Cathy called “Daddy” following the death of their father and Bill would call Cathy his “Sissy Mae”.  Cathy had many part time care providers, but none that loved her as much as Imelda Nava, who became her primary provider for the past nineteen years. Cathy didn’t think the sun came out till Imelda got up. She loved Imelda so much.  Cathy loved spending time with Imelda’s entire family, especially Imelda’s mom, “Martha” who she called “Mom”. Cathy also had a beautiful bond with Imelda’s granddaughter, “Ellyna”. Ellyna would call Cathy “Mae Mae”, they both thought each other were very special.  Cathy had childlike behavior but taught us all how to appreciate life and care for one another. Cathy touched many lives and was loved by many.  She will forever live in our hearts.

She is survived by her brother, Bill Swails of Grandview, WA, sister JoAnn Naught.  She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, special friend Imelda Nava and her family.  She is preceded by her parents Leonard and Myrtie Shaw and one sister Patricia

Viewing and visitation were held on Monday, November 20, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.  Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.  Those wishing to sign Cathy’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com   Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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