Henrietta “Etta” Shaw, 76, of Laramie, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, in Laramie, Wyoming.
Etta was born on May 20, 1949, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Sabro J. and Marie U. (Herrera) Tsutsumi. On December 1, 1974, she married Douglass Shaw in Laramie, Wyoming, and together they built a loving family and raised their children.
Etta lived a life rooted in compassion, faith, and service to others. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), dedicating herself to caring for those in need. She also worked for the United States Forest Service.
An athlete in her younger years, Etta enjoyed playing soccer and softball. She was in fact one of the best fast pitchers in Laramie at the time. Throughout her life she remained deeply connected to the outdoors, often exploring the mountains in search of rare rocks and enjoying the peace and beauty of nature.
Etta was a proud member of Keepers of the Fire, and her Catholic faith was an important foundation throughout her life.
She had a creative spirit and loved art and crafts. One of her favorite hobbies was collecting decorative dishes, and she took great pride in preparing elaborate homemade Sunday meals where the entire family would gather around the table together. Those moments of food, laughter, and love were some of her greatest joys.
Known for her generous heart, Etta was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Her kindness, warmth, and unwavering support touched many lives.
She is survived by her loving family, including her husband, Douglass Shaw; her children, Babette (Eric) Van Hees, Nikoli (Tom) Saehr, Brion Shaw, and Kim Shaw (Tracy O’Flannigan); her siblings, Rita Tsutsumi (Steve) Lambrecht, Carrie Rudy and their families. She is also survived by her six cherished grandchildren: Mariah, Devin, Rutger, Lizzie, River, and Sunrise.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sabro J. and Marie U. Tsutsumi; her siblings Catherine (May) and Paul Tsutsumi; brothers-in-law, Dennis Martinez and Robert Rudy.
Etta’s legacy of love, generosity, faith, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A Rosary Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2026 at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church. Funeral Liturgy will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 30, 2026 at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery.
Etta Etta, I will miss you so much. I loved your beautiful laugh and the way you called me Barbie. I picture you sitting on a cloud with your Mom and Dad, and Paul and May. May you rest in peace.
My Special Etta, I am hinking about the times I took you and the other kids swimming in the ditch, and we had so much fun. You loved our lunches the best . May you enjoy the world with God! We will never forget you! Love, Lola
My prayers and condolences go out to Biron, Mr. Shaw, and her family.
There are some people whose presence quietly shapes the world around them, and she was one of those rare souls. As a mom, she poured her whole heart into her family. She showed up—every time, every season, every game. We spent countless hours together on the sidelines, cheering our boys on at soccer, sharing blankets in the cold, celebrating victories, and laughing through the muddy, chaotic moments that only youth sports can bring. Those memories became a kind of community of their own, and she was always at its center with her warmth, kindness, and steady encouragement. Her love for her family was unmistakable. It showed in the way she listened, the way she supported, and the way she made everyone around her feel valued. She had a gift for making ordinary days feel meaningful, and she carried that same spirit into every corner of her community. She will be deeply missed by her family, who loved her beyond measure, and by a community that was made better simply by her presence. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the memories she helped create, and the love she gave so freely. Lovingly, Tom, Laura, Peter, and Tim Gaddis
With my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy. God Bless. Charlotte Barela
Doug and Family: Our condolences to you during your time of grief. It was so wonderful to see you and Etta joining us for lunch and participating in events at the Center. Our hearts are with you and Etta will be truly missed. Tammy Comer and the Staff and Board of the Eppson Center for Seniors
Doug and Family, I am very sorry to hear of Etta’s passing. I hope you find Peace as Etta now has. Hold those good memories near to your heart.
Doug, Our condolences to you and your family- Kirk and Lora Stratton
Etta was kindhearted, generous with her time and ear, and the most unjudgmental person I encountered at St. Laurence. Peace to you Doug.
Doug snd family, sending our love and condolences at this sad time. We remember Etta’s awesome cooking and her generous loving heart. We have great memories of times together with her and the family, May God bring you comfort and peace! Love, Majel, Allen Gardzelewski and family
Etta always had a smile and interested in what ever someone was doing. She was so generous with helping others. Our prayers are for her, her family and especially Doug.
Sending out love and prayers to you Nikoli and your family!
Doug , I am so sorry for your loss and send my deepest condolences to you and your family. Kathy Aragon
Doug, Etta will always be cherished for the beautiful love and faith that radiated from her. Christ be with you and your wonderful family. Your brother and sister in Christ, Mick and Mary Knight.
Our prayers, regards,and condolences for Etta and her family.