Betty R. Shaw

Betty Rose (Penke) Shaw, 86, of Methuen, gained her angel wings at Nevins Home on Saturday November 12, 2022 surrounded by her family.

Betty was born in Omaha, NE on August 13, 1936, daughter of Egmund A. Penke and Ruth Ann (Sturzenegger) Penke of Omaha, NE.

She grew up and was educated in Lincoln, NE where she graduated from College View High School in 1953. She then went on to attend the University of Nebraska, where at that time, she met the love of her life Norman A. Shaw. After marrying on November 17, 1956 and the birth of their daughter, they relocated to Norman’s family home in Methuen, MA. Not long after relocating, she gave birth to “My Son, My Son”! She proudly spent time raising her children until becoming the infamous Methuen High School librarian (23 years) and substitute teacher (13 years), until her full retirement in 2011.

As the Matriarch of the family, Betty was everyone’s Nana. As everyone knows, she loved to talk! She was a life long member of Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church. She loved to spend time with her “sister, sister” in South Carolina, as well as traveling to Clearwater, Florida and home to Nebraska. She had a love for books, reading, and journaling in her many many notebooks. Socializing at the Senior Center, ceramics, word search, Lawrence Welk, and watching New England/Nebraska sports were some of her most favorite activities. She also had a deep love for roosters, cardinals, and an iced cold Miller Light.

Betty is survived by her son David Shaw and his wife Donna of Methuen, and her grandchildren; Stacy (Newton) Tine and her husband Jayson of Haverhill, Stephen Newton of North Andover, Nicole Newton and Michael Martinelli of Haverhill, Jon-Michael Mears and Mailing Boyer of Methuen, Marissa Shaw of Haverhill, and Skylar Shaw of Methuen.  She also leaves her great grandchildren; Lexus, Joe-Joe, Gabrielle, Kaylee, Emma, Jailen, Jaykis, Izabelle, Jace, Jewliette, and Jaxon and great great grandchild Matthew;  her sister Judy (Penke) Lessard of South Carolina. As well as several nieces and nephews.

Betty was predeceased by her loving husband Norman A. Shaw; daughter Debbie A. (Shaw) Newton, son in law Stephen J. Newton and great grandson Jameson Newton.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Monday November 21, 2022 from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen. Funeral services will be on Tuesday November 22 at 11:00 am at the funeral Home. To leave an online condolence please visit Betty’s tribute page at www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com.

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