MARS HILL – Anna Elizabeth (Smith) Shaw, 97, passed away July 12, 2008, at a Presque Isle hospital. She was born Dec. 31, 1910, in Mars Hill, the eldest daughter of Frank J. and Mary Smith. She graduated from Aroostook Central Institute in 1930 and was recently recognized as the oldest alumni of Aroostook Central Institute. In addition, she was the holder of the Boston Post Cane in Mars Hill. She received her teaching certificate from Aroostook Normal School, Presque Isle, in 1932, and after graduation served as critic teacher for the Training School, preparing aspiring teachers. She often said, “once a teacher, always a teacher,” and after raising her family, she returned to teaching and taught in Mars Hill Schools for 38 years. She was proud of her profession and often reflected on the hundreds of former students who she “taught to read.” In 1939 she was granted a lifetime teaching certificate in Maine and in 1972 was recognized with an Outstanding Elementary Teacher Award by the U.S. Department of Education. Mrs. Shaw was an accomplished pianist and shared her gifts freely as a church pianist for more than 40 years. She married J. Harden Shaw in 1942 and helped run the family farm for more than 40 years. She was an outstanding cook, and many friends and neighbors enjoyed her famous divinity fudge. She attended the Old Fashion Revival Center, Blaine, and was ministered to faithfully by Pastor Carter and his dear wife, Mary. She resided at Mars Hill Health Center for the past two years and occupied much of her time knitting. She made more than 400 dishcloths, which she loved to give away. Her positive attitude, even through adversity, her smile and her charming personality served as an inspiration to all who knew her. Her family wishes to thank the staff at Mars Hill Nursing Home for all the dedicated and compassionate care she received. She was predeceased by her husband. She is survived by her sons, Steve and his fiancee, Ruth Ferguson, of Florenceville, New Brunswick, and Roger and his wife, Heidi, of Mars Hill; grandchildren, Nicole Irving of Florida and Lee Shaw of Mars Hill; several great-grandchildren; a beloved sister, Louise Kearney of Mars Hill; numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, at the Old Fashion Revival Center, Blaine, with the Rev. Mark Carter officiating. Visitation will be noon until the time of service. Interment will be after the service at Pierce Cemetery, Mars Hill. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be given to the J. Harden and Anna Shaw Christian College Scholarship Fund, care of Kathy Miller, SAD No. 42, P.O. Box 1006, Mars Hill, ME 04758. Arrangements are in the care of Duncan Funeral Home, Mars Hill. Condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com.
ANNA ELIZABETH (SMITH) SHAW
