Wanda Sue Shaw
Wanda Sue Shaw
Wanda Shaw (Beers) devoted much of her life to educating children, many with special needs. As a teacher Wanda worked to ensure that her students had the reading and math skills that they needed to succeed.
Wanda passed away January 21, 2023, in Omaha, Neb., of lung disease. She was 73.
She was born in Jamestown, N.Y., and grew up in Falconer. She graduated in 1971 from Albany University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. That year Wanda married Robert E. Shaw of Schenectady, N.Y. In addition to New York, Wanda and Robert lived in several other states, including Rhode Island, North Carolina, Iowa and Massachusetts. They retired to Ann Arbor, Mich., in 2013. Robert passed away in December 2021 and Wanda relocated to Omaha to be closer to family.
Wanda’s teaching career began in the 1980s in Westminster, Mass. She helped lead a classroom for elementary school children who needed extra time and instruction for their lessons. Later in her career Wanda taught children in New York and Michigan who had mental and physical disabilities. Her patience and caring for her students always showed through in her work.
Wanda enjoyed quilt-making, baking, cooking and traveling with her family. She loved listening to music, including the Beatles and Motown. Wanda always looked forward to visits with her grandchildren and spending time with her dog Kirby. Wanda also enjoyed celebrating her and Robert’s 50th wedding anniversary with family.
Wanda also was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Virginia Beers, sister Nancy Ann Beers, and brother-in-law Henry Arbeiter. She is survived by two sons: Kevin (Margaret) of Fort Worth, Texas, and Thomas (Vonnda) of Omaha, Neb., brother Steven Beers of Reno, Nev., sisters Cynthia Arbeiter of Calverton, N.Y. and Linda Rasmussen of Jamestown, N.Y., two grandchildren, Emerson and Katy, and nephew Karl Arbeiter.
Memorials are suggested to Reading is Fundamental, 750 First Street NE Suite 920, Washington, D.C. 20002.