Helen Shaw

OXFORD – Helen M. (Socia) Shaw, 92, of Bacon Street, died Thursday, June 24, 2021, in her home surrounded by her family.  She was predeceased by her husband of 73 years, Ronald E. Shaw who died in 2020.  She is survived by eight children, Ronald L. Shaw of Rockledge, FL, Raymond C. Shaw and his wife Kathleen of Auburn, Susan J. Troy of Boylston, Glenn A. Shaw and his wife Linda of Homosassa, FL, Luanne J. McGrath of Boylston, Jeffrey S. Shaw and his wife Jennifer of Brownsburg, IN, Lori G. Landry and her husband John of Charlton, and Karen M. Murphy and her husband Christopher of Holden; two siblings, Charles Socia Jr. of North Oxford and Nora Willigar of Maine; fourteen grandchildren, Lt. Col. Keith Shaw, Kimberly Butler, Todd Shaw, Tonya Spagnuolo, Matthew Troy, Travis Shaw, Stephanie Jaynes, Jaclyn Shaw, Danielle Cole, Zachary Shaw, Gabrielle Shaw, Lauren Landry, Jonathan Landry, and Ashley Maryyanek; 14 great-grandchildren, several nephews and nieces, and her best friend, Lillian MacKenzie of Dudley.  She was predeceased by four siblings, Frederick Socia, Ralph Socia, Raymond Socia, and Pauline Soucy.

She was born in Island Falls, ME, daughter of the late Charles and Mary (Moran) Socia Sr., and lived in Maine and Worcester before moving to Oxford in 1957.  She graduated from Island Falls High School in 1946.

Mrs. Shaw stayed home caring for her home and family throughout her life, and loved nothing more than raising her children and watching her grandchildren.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church in North Oxford and served on several church committees.  Mrs. Shaw enjoyed vacationing in Ogunquit, Maine, camping at Sebago Lake and in Birch Point, Maine, and spending winters in Florida for 20 years.  She loved going for walks, crossword puzzles, exercising with the Silver Sneakers, and the occasional trip to the casino.  She will be remembered as a kind woman with a gentle soul who was loved by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at the JHC Hospice, especially Michelle Casareale, for their exceptional care and compassion shown to Helen and her family.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at the First Baptist Church, 693 Main St., North Oxford.  Burial will follow at North Cemetery in Oxford.  Calling hours are Monday, June 28, 2021, from 5-7 p.m. at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452, or to the American Diabetes Association, 10 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.