Joan C Shaw

Joan (Wojtkiewicz) Shaw went to be with the Lord on Saturday April 22, 2023, at the age of 75.  She left this earth after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.  Born and raised in Philadelphia, the daughter of Irene Wojtkiewicz and beloved sister of Dolores (Ted) Nawrocki.  Joan was a graduate of John W. Hallahan High School class of 1965.  She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Holy Family College class of 1969.  Joan married the love of her life Harry W. Shaw in 1969 and they enjoyed 54 years together as husband and wife.  Joan and Harry moved to Levittown in 1977 where they raised their four children: Matthew Shaw Sr, Sandy (Mike) Lyle, Colleen (Paul) Cutrupi and Amy (Mike) Gonzales.  Joan taught 3^rd, 6^th and 8^th grades English and Religion at Our Lady of Grace School in Penndel, Pennsylvania for 30 years (1982-2012).  Over the course of her teaching career Joan impacted the future of countless students.  One of the greatest joys in Joan’s life was spending time with her 10 grandchildren: Matthew Shaw Jr, Courtney (Louis) Karcanes, Michael, Ashley & Justin Lyle, Nicholas & Daniel Cutrupi, Ryan, Megan & Emma Gonzales.  “Mom-Mom” as she was affectionately known was often on the sidelines cheering on her grandchildren in all their sports and activities.  Simply put whatever they loved, she loved.                  

Joan was devout Catholic and an active member of the Queen of the Universe parish in Levittown, where she served as a Cathecist and Extra Ordinary Minister of Holy Communion.  Her many other volunteer activities included: being a Girl Scout leader, serving at Mary’s Cupboard and after retiring from teaching she was a parent tutor at Makefield Elementary.  Joan enjoyed family vacations at Ocean City, NJ spending beautiful days on the beach with a good book in hand and the evenings strolling the boardwalk.  A frequent visitor to the library, and always the teacher, she was an avid reader and supporter of the free library system.  Joan will be dearly missed by her large circle of friends, colleagues that became friends and many nieces and nephews.   

There will be a celebration of life and visitation on Monday, May 1st from 6pm to 8pm at Galzerano Funeral Home, 3500 Bristol-Oxford Valley Road, Levittown, PA 19057.  Then again on Tuesday, May 2nd from 8am to 8:45am followed by funeral mass at 9:30am at Queen of the Universe Church, 2443 Trenton Road, Levittown, PA 19056.  Interment to follow at 11am, Washington Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940. 

Her family is forever grateful to the wonderful staff at Neshaminy Manor who provided outstanding care and support to Joan when she needed it the most. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Joan’s name to the following organizations: 

1)    http://www.Parkison.org

2)    http://buckslib.org/bucksforbooks/

3)    Neshaminy Manor via check to the below address.  The money that goes to this fund is used for resident activities, special events, books, and movies.  Neshaminy Manor Welfare Fund, 1660 Easton Road, Warrington, PA 18976

“Not all of us can do great things. 

But we can do small things with great love.”

-Mother Theresa