Animal Corner Co-Founder, Former Herndon Resident Sarah Ann Shaw Dies

LEESBURG, VA — Sarah Ann Shaw née Halloran passed away peacefully at her home in Leesburg on May 28, 2023 at the age of 82.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Sarah was the cherished baby girl of Tom and Isabel Halloran, and she grew up as the fourth child in their loving family. The Hallorans relocated to Pickstown, South Dakota, where her father served as the Town Manager and contributed to the construction of the dam at Fort Randall through his work with the U.S. Corps of Engineers.

Sarah's formative years were spent in the tight-knit community of Pickstown, which left an indelible mark on her. In 1957, she moved to Herndon, with her parents. Sarah graduated from Herndon High School in 1958 and embarked on her educational journey at Madison College in Harrisonburg.

She left Madison to marry her high school sweetheart, Tom Shaw. They started their family in Herndon and had a long stay on Grant Street. Sarah dedicated herself primarily to raising their children, providing a nurturing and loving home. However, as time went on, she also found fulfillment working alongside her dear friend and neighbor, Esther Hanes, at the Cinnamon Tree in Herndon, where they sold dancewear.

While Sarah's devotion to her family was immeasurable, she was also known for her role in co-founding Animal Corner, a pioneering nonprofit animal rescue league, alongside her close friend Marilyn Katein. Back in the 1970s, long before animal rescue became a mainstream cause, Sarah and her dedicated group of volunteers rescued, nurtured, and attended to the medical needs of stray and abandoned animals in the Herndon area. She tirelessly found loving homes for the vast majority of these animals, but those deemed unadoptable lived joyful lives under Sarah's compassionate care.

Just as she cared for animals, Sarah extended her loving support to anyone in need of a friend, sister, aunt, mother, or grandmother figure. Even though many had their own families, they knew that Sarah's door was always open, offering a haven where they could find solace, a listening ear, and the support needed to face the world with renewed strength.

In 1985, Sarah and Tom realized their dream of residing in their idyllic home on Goose Creek in Leesburg. From seemingly nothing, she transformed the surroundings into a verdant paradise, teeming with vibrant flowers, trees, herbs, butterfly bushes, and, of course, numerous beloved cats and dogs. This sanctuary became Sarah's ultimate source of joy and contentment.

Within her cherished home, Sarah hosted countless family gatherings, bringing together her children, grandchildren, and eventually great-grandchildren, for every conceivable occasion, be it major holidays, minor celebrations, or even spontaneous festivities she invented to ensure their togetherness. Each gathering was filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories that will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all who attended.

Sarah was predeceased by her daughter Kateri and her husband Thomas Shaw Sr., her sister Mary K Grebe and her brother, John Halloran. She is survived by her children Beth Paquette (John), Thomas Shaw Jr. (Lisa), Stacey Orrison (Glen), former son-in-law, Ethan Martin: six grandchildren, Colin (Lauren) and Sarah Paquette, Michael (Dasha) and Joshua (Kelli) Martin, and Erin and Phoebe Shaw; two step-grandchildren, Aaron and Brady Orrison; and six great-grandchildren; Helena, Patrick, Tommy, Emma, Bryson and Marley. Sarah is also survived by her beloved sister Ellen Johnson and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

A memorial mass will be held on June 10, 2023 at 2:00 pm at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 101 Oakcrest Manor Drive, Northeast, Leesburg VA.

She will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial contributions be made to Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation.