Sharon Shaw

Sharon Kathryn Irene Shaw passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2014 after a valiant fight with cancer. Ms. Shaw was born February 21, 1951 at St. Francis Hospital in Freeport. Her parents were G.W. Richmond (Barney) Shaw and Dolores Costello Shaw. She was educated at St. Mary's Catholic School and Aquin Catholic High School, graduating in 1969. She attended Highland Community College, receiving an Associates of Arts degree in 1971. She continued her education at Northern Illinois University, attaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism in 1973. She worked briefly as the News Director of WFRL AM-FM Radio from 1973 to 1974. As a traveling children's photographer with Jones & Presnell Studios, Charlotte, NC from 1975 to 1981, she was able to travel extensively throughout the country, photographing landscapes and zoo animals in her spare time. Returning to higher education at Southern Illinois University, she worked to develop her photography skills and attain a Master of Science Degree in Education-Instructional Design in 1986. She worked as a Media Specialist at Highland Community College in the Audio/Visual Department from 1986 until her retirement in 2010. She managed to fulfill a lifelong dream of visiting her ancestors' homeland of Ireland in 2012. In addition, she had traveled in every state except Alaska. In 2003, she combined her love for dogs and photography into the Pet Photography business Memories and Moments at the Barking Lot in Freeport. For the last several years, she traveled around the country picking up and delivering animals for individuals and businesses. She loved her Shetland sheepdog companions, enjoyed working on her house and raspberry patch, taking photographs, star-gazing, bird watching and driving all over the country. She was a member of the Northwest Illinois Audubon Society. She is survived by God-daughter Maggie Hooper and God-son Jacob Backus, both of Freeport; an aunt Waynette Costello of Freeport; cousins Bob (CJ) Chumbler and John (Anita) Costello of Freeport, Mary Ann (Rod) Bakke, and Mike (Lorna) Costello of Dubuque, IA, Terry Costello of Massbach, Angie (Fermin) Acosta of Rockford, and many maternal and paternal cousins; friends Melody Farringer & family, Mary & Jake Backus & family, Connie & Lee Eilers & family, all of Freeport, and Darla Springer of Eugene, OR. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday May 6, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Freeport. Father Bob Camacho will officiate. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport, with a rosary service starting at 3:30; there will also be a visitation from 9:30 A.M. until the time of service at the church. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery next to her parents. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in her memory. Please visit www.burketubbs.com