Jeannine Marie Shaw

MONONA-Jeannine M. Shaw, age 72, of Monona, passed away on Sunday, Sept 11, 2011, surrounded by her loving family. Jeannine was born in Fond du Lac, to her wonderful parents, Claudia and Gordon “Red” Foshay on March 2, 1939, at which time she was also greeted by her sister JoAnne. She was fortunate to attend and graduate from St Mary's Springs High School in Fond du Lac. When she moved to Madison, she met her husband Alan B Shaw. Alan led her to so many new experiences where she learned so much. Because of him, she became a charter member of the Madison Builder's Association Women's Auxiliary, where she became the first vice president and the second president of a wonderful organization. Alan and Jeannine became parents of three wonderful boys Joseph, James, and Jeffery. As her boys grew and became interested in Monona PeeWee football, soccer and hockey, their parents became just as interested. These were the best times of Jeannine's life. In fact, she enjoyed the sport of hockey so much she decided to see what it would be like to play the game, so she started a women's hockey team called the Monona Misfits and helped organize a fundraiser for the Monona hockey program which helped kids who couldn't afford to play. Jeannine also became interested in helping kids that were having difficulties in life and started a youth organization called Channel One, she worked at the Monona pool's snack house and turned it into the Snack Shack, where the kids were able to learn how to cope with life's difficulties while learning a work ethic. “What a great experience I had working with those kids and it helped me appreciate that these kids were our tomorrow. I learned so much from those kids and I thank all of them for making my life so full.” Jeannine also volunteered in many other ways in her community. Her biggest accomplishments included being a charter member of Monona EMS, and helping to plan Monona's 50th anniversary celebration and commemorative plate. She was given a volunteer award from the mayor of Monona for all the time she gave to the city. Mom truly loved the city of Monona and she tried to make a positive impact. Jeannine was preceded in death by her father, Gordon Foshay; her mother, Claudia Foshay; and her husband, Alan B. Shaw. She is survived by her sister, JoAnne Lallier; her sons, Joseph (Sherri), James (Dawn), and Jeffery (Jodi Behl); her beloved grandchildren, Kelsey, Kayla, Bianca, AJ and Andrew, who were the lights of her life, especially after her husband passed away in 2001. “ My grandchildren are such precious gifts and I thank God for them each and every day”. She would like to thank her very special friends Jan Johnson, Barbie Johnson, Lynn Heiman, Charlie Reithmeyer, Marianne Lichtfeld and Vi Landness, and her sister-in-law Jane Shaw for being such great friends and for being there for her in the good times and bad. She would like to thank all of her nieces and nephews for “all the wonderful times we had while you were growing up. I love you all.” She would also like to thank her very special boyfriend Bill Carroll, who brought her many laughs and good times. Bill made a huge difference in her life, one that all of us appreciate. To those of you who knew or ever met our mom, you were touched by someone who could change your day no matter what day you were having. She had what we called the “gift to gab”, if you were ever at a place where she said hi to you, you would find yourself in a conversation that would last for sometime without realizing it. It didn't matter if she had just met you or you had known her for years. She had the gift of always finding a way to turn your dark day into a bright day, even if she was having a tough day. She found a way to make you laugh, or at least smile and look at things from a different angle. She loved people, being around people and helping people, and was never alone because she always made a friend no matter where she went. There is one thing that we knew was for sure, Mom had a love for her family and community. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield Street, Monona, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011, with Father Bart Timmerman presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to establish an education fund for Jeannine's grandchildren. “We love you and you will be in our hearts and thoughts forever.” In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to establish an education fund for Jeannine's grandchildren. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield Street, Monona, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011, with Father Bart Timmerman presiding.