Coleen K Shaw

Coleen K. Shaw passed away after a short illness in Toledo, Ohio, on Thursday, June 4, 2026, surrounded by her long-time partner, Alan Colwell, sister Maureen, her niece Alicia and other family members. She made the journey to her final home, joining her parents who went before her. She was just shy of 74 years.

Born in Madison, Wisconsin at St. Mary’s hospital in 1952, she spent the first 10 years of her life there before moving to Toledo, Ohio where her father was employed as a professor at then Toledo University. She continued her education in Toledo, Ohio graduating from DeVilbiss High School in 1970.

After high school she attended the University of Toledo Community and Technical College, in an accelerated program to get her Associate’s Degree: Health Technologies, Registered Nurse, in 1973. Her continuing education led her to complete an Externship for Prescriptive Authority in 2004. Coleen was a Registered Nurse, Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Practice Nurse. Becoming a nurse was a goal that was always clear to her, and encouraged by her mother, because she was a giver to all those around her. Nurses are born, not made. That sense of caring touched every aspect of her life and never left her. She loved working with children, especially children that had different developmental or emotional issues. She was an advocate for those who could not advocate for themselves long before that was a recognized vocation. She loved her work and loved the children she served.

After Coleen retired in 2018, she was honored by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) on September 23, 2021 for accomplishing 40 years as a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. The PNCB noted “We would like to take this opportunity to recognize this extraordinary anniversary…as a nursing professional who sought certification in the specialty of pediatrics, you are to be commended for your commitment to the profession, serving as a role model to your colleagues, and making a difference in the lives of children, families and other members of the healthcare team.” This was a most singular distinction after a long career of service.

Her passion for service didn’t stop with her career and work place, as she loved to be outdoors, running, walking, always exercising as much as she could. She ran outdoors one hour every day of the year regardless of the weather. She ran several 5 K races in Ohio, Michigan and Florida, often accompanied by her partner, Alan, and even ran a marathon in Bowling Green, Ohio. She ran on the E.D. Libbey High School indoor track with her partner just before the school was torn down. One of only two people to do that!

She was inspired by nature and drew comfort and strength from it. She was an avid gardener always sharing the fruits of what she grew with family and friends. She loved to cook and to bake, making many of the treats for holidays and birthday gatherings. She was a great seamstress, making so many of her own clothes over the years.

She was a long-time Toledo Zoological Society member, volunteering at the zoo for over 22 years, and volunteering more frequently after she retired. She was recognized as an individual Volunteer of the Year in 2024, a very impressive honor that she was so humbled to receive and received the Volunteer Service Award Bronze in 2026.

She was a life-long Lucas County Public Library member, who spent a lot of time serving on the board of the Friends of the Library. Her story was highlighted in the Fall 2024 issue of “Off the Shelf,” the Toledo

Lucas County Public Library Magazine. She further volunteered at the Toledo Botanical Garden, part of the Toledo Metropark system. This was a place she deeply loved to visit and spend time with all the lovely flowers, trees and exhibits, as it was also a favorite place of her father’s. Not only was she a member of the Toledo Museum of Art but she posed many times for their art classes.

Coleen was there for everyone. She probably kept her local Hallmark store in business all these years as she sent birthday cards, Christmas cards, congratulation cards, condolence cards, and cards for all types of holidays. She didn’t forget anyone. Even when she knew her time might be short she was concerned about getting out cards and presents in advance for family and friends, especially her most recent grandnephew and grandniece.

She didn't know the meaning of the word, "quit." Coleen was constantly reaching out to help all those lucky enough to be in her "orbit:" family, a wide group of friends (or folks who just looked like they needed a friend) and neighbors. She really was a "Big Sister to the World."

She was a lifelong learner, with a love for books, all kinds of books. It was not unusual for Coleen to have several books open at any time. She frequently gave books to others, helping them to grow their own library. She was a passionate member of a book club, had a love for museums, and was a lifelong listener of public radio and viewer of local PBS programs.

Best of all, Coleen was simply the best listener anyone could ever know because she genuinely cared about people and empathized with how they felt. This aligned with her love for learning new things. Coleen had tremendous curiosity about art, science and the natural world, no doubt something she picked up from her scientist father and creative mother.

Coleen was a 365 day a year lover of all things Christmas. She had a small tree with lights that stayed on all year long. She would go with family each year to visit the Toledo Zoo to see the Christmas lights. She also loved to listen to Christmas music whenever the mood struck her. Coleen always loved bright clothing and this was especially evident in the holiday season.

Coleen is survived by her significant other, Alan Colwell, the best partner she ever had, her brothers Thomas K Shaw (spouse Zara O Shaw), James K. Shaw (spouse Tina Shaw), Steven K. Shaw, Lawrence K. Shaw (partner Henrietta Chavez); her sisters; Kathleen C. Shaw (spouse Clint Lavens) and Maureen K. Shaw. In addition, she is survived by nephews; Hassane T Shaw (spouse Isandra Shaw); Jeffrey Billick (spouse Kassi Billick); Oumarou T Shaw (spouse Dr. Candice Chipman-Shaw); Zachary Shaw (partner Leann Martin); nieces; Heather Koppenhofer (spouse Mark Koppenhofer), Stacie Sterren (spouse Chris Sterren); Jamila Shaw-Alvarado (spouse Kelsey G Alvarado), Cassie S. Peters (spouse John Peters), Alicia Davis (spouse Kenny Davis), Sydni Servé, and Cheyenne Shambarger, as well as grand-nephews: Lennox Leblanc, Oumarou Shaw, Caleb Peters, and Malakai Shaw; and grand-nieces: Mara Goncalves, Tristin Fought, Ayrikah Koppenhofer, Lyla Shaw, Yara Shaw, Eliza Peters, and Xolana Alvarado.

A Celebration of Life in loving memory of Coleen Kay Shaw will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Oak Openings Metropark Lodge from 3-8 PM, 5230 Wilkins Rd, Whitehouse, OH, 43571. Colorful attire is encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in Coleen’s memory to any of these charities: The Toledo Zoo The Toledo Museum of Art The Metroparks Toledo Foundation FeedToledo.Org WGTE-FM Public Radio WGTE Public Media

Or you can donate a book to the Toledo Lucas Country Public Library’s Friends of the Library in her name.