ELSIE MAATJE SHAW's Obituary
Elsie Maatje Shaw, Age 94, passed away on Thursday, May 19, 2020 at her home in Coral Gables, Florida. Elsie was born August 29, 1927 in Camden, New Jersey to Elizabeth Maatje and Albertus Maatje of the providence of South Holland in the second largest city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Elsie was one of three daughters with the others being Betsy Miller, and Mary Buonnanno.
She was married to Joseph Samuel Shaw, husband, for 54 memorable and glorious years before his passing in year 2004. She is survived by 2 wonderful children, her daughters Joyce Ellen Pridgen (Husband Robert), Anne Elizabeth Webber (Husband Eric), along with grandson Brent Eric Webber, Sister Mary and 3 nieces and 4 nephews.
Elsie Shaw had enormous love for this country and conveyed this commitment by working as an Inspector with U.S. Customs for many years. As a fantastic grandmother, Elsie adored her grandson and provided “Granny Daycare” as Eric and Anne worked full time. She routinely attended all of “Brenty’s” childhood sporting events and school activities.
Given both her daughters graduated from the University of Miami, Elsie was a huge Miami Hurricanes football fan. For many years, she was a season football ticket holder and attended all the games with family and friends in the famous Orange Bowl. Furthermore, Elsie was President of the local North American Collegiate sorority Tri Psi mothers of Tri-Delta and Parliamentarian of the National Chapter.
With Elsie’s family history and connections to the Netherlands she adored gathering vintage plates, delft china, other collectibles associated with Holland. No family birthday celebration was every complete without the singing of the Dutch birthday song (hip, hip, hooray !)
Elsie’s favorite past time was shopping, going to art shows, and attending the Coral Gables farmers market. Elsie was a professional shopper and getting a bargain on a seasonal craft, home accessory, or garden plant was always a fun time. At every opportunity, she cherished working in the garden and attending to her home collection of bromeliads and orchids. Elsie truly had a green thumb !! Daughter Joyce inherited her gardening skills and the joy of finding a good deal shopping.
Elsie Maatje Shaw was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend to everyone and always had a way of staying positive and making everyone feel important and appreciated. Rest in peace and may God watch over your soul with love and kindness.
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