Monica Shaw

Ms. Monica Shaw was born October 24, 1965 in Rochester, NY to the late Ms. Essie Mae Shaw. Monica transitioned peacefully to her heavenly home on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in Florence, SC while in the care of McLeod Hospital.

She spent her early years in Rochester, NY and eventually moved south to Kingstree, South Carolina with her mother, older sister Diane and grandparents. She enjoyed running around and playing with the chickens at her grandparents' farm and going to St. Paul United Methodist Church with her mom and Grandma Mary.

In 1978, Monica relocated back to Rochester, NY to live with her Aunt Verline and the late Uncle Nathan McGill, Sr. She attended classes and programs at the Al Sigl center. Her family nickname was "Jack the Ripper", Monica tore up everything.

You could find her melodically rocking in a chair or jumping and giggling around. In quieter times, she could focus her attention on the smallest things for hours. Although she was nonverbal, she communicated with us through gestures. When she was hungry, she would take our hand and lead us to the kitchen or when she was ready to go, she would keep walking to the door. When she didn't want to be bothered, she would push you away with her hand or touch your face to see who you were.

After the tragic loss of her mother, Monica moved into the Florence County Disability and Special Needs facility. She was welcomed into an amazing community of women and was a part of an extended family.

She was preceded in death by her mother Essie Mae Shaw, Grandparents Joe Shaw Sr. and Mary (Fleming) Shaw, Aunt Lula Mae Robinson, Uncles: Nathan Lee McGill, Sr. , Joe Shaw Jr., Laurie Shaw, Cornelius “Nee” Shaw, and Jessie Shaw.

Loved ones who will cherish her memory always are: her sister Diane Shaw;  aunt, Mrs. Verline McGill of Rochester, NY; and a host of cousins' other family members; case manager Tiffany Cade of Florence of County Disability and Special Needs Board and friends.

Please keep the family of Monica Shaw in your thoughts and prayers.