Randall Pollard
January 30, 2009
Bernadette Marse Tregre
February 3, 2009
Posted Monday, February 2, 2009
Nora Trosclair Shaw, 102, a native and resident of Thibodaux, La., passed into God’s Kingdom while at home surrounded by loved ones Saturday, January 31.
She is survived by her daughter, June Shaw and companion, Bob Breaux of Thibodaux; sons, Ronnie Shaw and wife Lise of Houma, La., and Billy Shaw and wife Delta of Thibodaux; brother, Louis Trosclair; sister, Marie Gaudet of Thibodaux; grandchildren, Al and Sharon Naquin of Baton Rouge, La., Dawn Naquin and Allison Fakier of Thibodaux, Debra and Mike Blanchard of Houma, Nolan and Becky Naquin of Thibodaux, Bonnie and Robbie Fink of Covington, La., Steve Shaw of Thibodaux, John Shaw of New Orleans, La., and Maria and Brandon Archer of Houma; great-grandchildren, Blair Naquin, Dylan and Ryan Blanchard, Tiffany Bowen, Parker, Brooke, Caroline and Claire Naquin, John Shaw Jr., Josh, Tyler and Mia Archer, Corey, Rachel and Stephen Shaw and Rebecca and Maggie Fink; and great-great-grandchildren, Taylor and Robbie Bowen and Carsen Archer.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Al Shaw; parents, Gracien and Marie Clement Trosclair; sisters, Velma Lagarde and Anna Mae Boutte; brother, William Trosclair Sr.; and grandson, Scott Naquin.
Nora was born June 27, 1906, on Greenwood Plantation and lived in the St. John Community. She attended Louisiana Normal School in Natchitoches, La., now Northwestern University, and taught at Brule-Guillot and L.T. Schools. She later worked for the Department of Public Welfare as a welfare visitor to hundreds of families throughout Lafourche Parish, La.
She loved to eat and cook for her large extended family and friends. She was an active member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club, Pokeno Club, Lafourche Homemakers and Ladies Altar Society, often serving as an officer and working at fair booths. She received homemaker parish and state awards for Family of the Year. She liked listening to KTIB, going to casinos and watching HTV. In recent years, she enjoyed bingo at the Thibodaux Senior Citizen’s Center and church and attending Chamber of Commerce events. L.T. reunions were especially important.
Nora loved Mardi Gras and proudly became first queen of Thibodaux’s Senior Carnival Ball. In honor of her 95th birthday, Mayor Charles Caillouet presented her with keys to the city and proclaimed Nora Trosclair Shaw Day on June 27 in Thibodaux. She was often interviewed and filmed by HTV. Presidents and Willard Scott wished her happy birthday.
A woman of strong faith, she loved to be with friends and family and was happily surprised by limo rides for many of her birthdays. She loved to dance, especially the Freeze, Macarena and Chicken Dance.
From the ages of 100 to 102, she attended line dance classes with her daughter. A local article about her line dancing led to Nora being invited to appear on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Because of her poor vision, she declined, but later invited Jay to Thibodaux. No word has arrived yet.
Her positive attitude, adventurous spirit and energy amazed everyone. People often said she was their hero.
Nora’s family would like to thank Thibodaux Regional Hospital and Bayou Region Hospice for the excellent care they all gave her after a mild heart attack led to her decline and to the medical team for its respite care.
Nora Shaw had a large family and countless friends and loved to be with every one of them. She was a special gift, a one-of-a-kind lady who will be sorely missed by many.
Donations to your favorite charity are preferred.
Visitation will be 8 a.m. to funeral time Tuesday, February 3, at St. Genevieve Catholic Church, with burial in St. John Cemetery.
Landry’s Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
