Margaret Shaw, dedicated to helping others
Margaret “Maggie” Shaw, 74, of Milton, passed away Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Her wife of 28 years, Andrea, was by her side as Maggie endured a hard-fought battle with glioblastoma. She was born Nov. 8, 1950, in Washington, D.C., to Dr. Joseph C. Shaw and Ruth E. Jones.
Maggie was predeceased by her parents; a brother, Joseph C. Shaw Jr.; her aunt, Margaret “Mimi” Rodgers; and her brother-in-law, Edward M. Palcher. She is survived by her wife, Andrea Andrus; sister, Kathleen Palcher; sister-in-law, Judith Shaw; several nieces and nephews; and many friends and former colleagues.
Maggie attended Holy Trinity School in Washington, D.C., and then earned a bachelor of arts degree at Saint Leo University. Her passion was to work in healthcare, so she earned a degree from Marymount University’s School of Nursing and a master of science degree from Southern Connecticut State University. Maggie had an interest in mental health and earned a master of social work degree at The Catholic University of America. She loved to learn and worked diligently to improve her skills on the job and through continuous education. Maggie worked at Georgetown University Hospital, George Washington University Hospital Center, Children’s National Hospital, and Whitman Walker Clinic in the Washington, D.C. area.
Maggie also had a passion for community service work. She was involved with the Human Rights Campaign and co-chaired their annual dinner when President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton attended as special guests. Maggie was also involved with the Mautner Project and Whitman Walker Clinic. In 1998, Maggie and Andrea purchased a home in Rehoboth Beach and were very involved in the community, especially with CAMP Rehoboth and the Rehoboth Beach Film Society. She served on the CAMP Rehoboth board of directors and was one of the co-founders of CAMP Rehoboth Women’s Project, which has grown into a hugely successful annual Women’s Fest.
Maggie and Andrea moved to South Portland, Maine, in 2005, where Maggie continued working in healthcare at Mercy Hospital and Martin’s Point Healthcare, and volunteered with the American Red Cross. In 2013, they moved to Sarasota, Fla., where Maggie volunteered with Sarasota Police Department on community outreach initiatives, completed the SPD Citizens Police Academy, and trained as a Community Emergency Response Team member. She also volunteered as a nurse with Remote Area Medical. Maggie served on the auxiliary board of the Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center. With her passion for social justice work, Maggie was a member of the Sarasota Democratic Party and a member of the NAACP Sarasota Branch Executive Committee. Maggie and Andrea produced a weekly blog, 2Gals4Peace. Maggie loved to write, and with her love for animals, she was excited to publish her first book, “Rapt Stack Mountain,” which Maggie called “a wonderful read for the child in all of us!”
Maggie was a bright light in Andrea’s life, from Maggie’s devotion to their relationship, to Maggie’s advocacy work, creative writing, and craftwork. Maggie created sea glass jewelry, whimsical clocks, and much more. She was always the life of the party, which brought light and laughter into other people’s lives. Maggie was on the front lines in support of many issues and modeled human decency and kindness. Keeping Maggie’s memory alive will be Andrea’s greatest honor.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all who provided care, love, and support during Maggie’s illness, including UPenn Abramson Cancer Center and Delaware Hospice teams, and our wonderful family, friends, and neighbors.
Maggie did not want a formal service. Her wish is to have family and friends remember her through acts of kindness to others. Memorial donations in her memory may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation, UPenn’s Brain Tumor Center, CAMP Rehoboth, or local animal rescue organization.
Visit Maggie's Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
