Ila Josephine Shaw, age 88, of Buckhannon, WV died Thursday, December 22, 2011 at her home. She was born August 2, 1923 in Marion County, WV, a daughter of the late Joseph and Monie Eleanor Jones Smiers. On January 31, 1946 she married Burl Novil Shaw who preceded her in death. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by one son, James Walter Shaw; one sister, Wanda Owens and one brother, Walter Smiers. She is survived by one son, Joe Shaw of Buckhannon; one daughter, Beatrice Burnside and husband Eric of Buckhannon three grandsons, Ryan Nelson Shaw and wife Wendy of Columbus, OH, Joshua Alan Burnside and wife Keely of Buckhannon and Dr. Robert Adam Burnside and wife Jessica of Buckhannon; two granddaughters, Kimberly Dawn Oliver and husband, J.R. of Elkview, WV and Virginia Pearl Burnside of Buckhannon, three great-granddaughters, Claire Oliver of Elkview, Audra Shaw of Columbus and Katherine Quinn Burnside of Buckhannon; three great grandsons, Trooper Shaw of Columbus, Kyle Jacob Oliver of Elkview and James (Jay) Clifford Burnside of Buckhannon; one sister, Eleanor Smiers of Fairmont, WV and several nieces and nephews. Josephine attended Grant town elementary school. She was awarded the Golden Horseshoe Award of West Virginia History in 8th grade. She graduated from Fairview High School, St. Mary’s School of Nursing, West Virginia Wesleyan College and West Virginia University with a Master’s in Health Education. Josephine highly valued education and was a trailblazer in education for women. She enjoyed academic challenges including trivial pursuit and scrabble. Mrs. Shaw lived and worked in Upshur County for the majority of her life. She served her community as a Registered Nurse working at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Holbrook’s Nursing Home and ended her career at Elizabeth Copeland Leonard Memorial Hospital in 1988. She also served as a nurse director for the Upshur County School health program. Mrs. Shaw taught nursing at West Virginia Wesleyan College in the 1970’s as well. She served as Dr. Reed’s Pediatric Nurse Associate for a short time. She was a physician’s assistant but never practiced. She enjoyed extensive traveling. Mrs. Shaw visited China, all of Europe, the Mediterranean and parts of the Middle East. She also traveled the United States including Alaska. Her most treasured area of travel was her father’s native homeland of Poland. She was a member of the Upshur County Historical Society and did extensive genealogical research. Friends will be received Monday, December 26, 2011 from 5-8 PM at the Poling-st. Clair Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held 2 PM Tuesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Roger Foster and the Rev. James L. Gifford officiating. Burial will follow in the Heavner Cemetery in Buckhannon. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com Poling-st. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
