Joan Virginia Albert Shaw

On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, our beloved Nana passed into eternal rest. Joan Virginia Albert Shaw was born April 9, 1934, in Boonsboro, Maryland. She was the eighth of nine children in a household headed by Daisy Louise Kathryn Gruber Albert, and her husband, Percy Albert, Sr. Joan excelled in academics throughout her school years, and was a voracious reader. She was a dedicated daughter,caring sister, a loving aunt to her many nieces and nephews, a loyal friend, an attentive mother, and a devoted wife. Her most prized role and greatest joy, however, was being Nana to her granddaughter,McKenzie Rae O'Connor Metzner, followed closely by being Nana to her late grand dog, Guinevere Michelle O'Connor, and her great grand dogs, Yetta Joan and Viking Paw Metzner. In July of 2024, she upped her position by becoming a great grandmother to Tilden "Tilly" Paul Metzner.

Joan met the love of her life, Raymond Weaver Shaw, at her first place of employment, Western Maryland Railroad. They married on November 27, 1954, and spent their early years in Baltimore, Maryland;Hanover, Pennsylvania, where their only child, Melissa Jo Shaw O'Connor was born; and finally settled in Hagerstown in the early 1960's. Joan and Ray had only 41 years together, as he passed away on July 27,1995. Joan's fiercely independent spirit carried her solo through the next three decades.

Mrs. Shaw had a special gift when it came to children. She worked at Woodland Way and Potomac Heights Elementary Schools in the Head Start program in the 1960s and shared her love with so many who desperately needed it. At the suggestion of a nephew, she took a stab at banking, starting out as apart-time teller and ending up as Vice President of Retail Banking for Hagerstown Trust Company. The friends made at HTC were cherished by Joan, and their friendships continued throughout her life. 

Following retirement, she cemented more bonds at the office of Dr. Pamela Bradford, where she performed administrative duties. Later, she volunteered for Hospice, and finally, she enjoyed spending time with her siblings and neighbors. Joan loved sunsets at the seashore, solitude, and chocolate. She was stylish, elegant, and always perfectly coiffed (bright red lipstick was a favorite!). She loved her church, John Wesley United Methodist, and praised her Maker with a beautiful soprano voice. Her faith sustained her through adversities and increased her joy during the good times. 

In addition to her parents, Joan was predeceased by her siblings: Paul Angle Albert, Thelma Jane Reeder,Percy Albert, Jr., Eugene Samuel Albert, Vivian Louise Rohrer, Mary Ann Burger, and Francis Eldon Albert. She is survived by her youngest sister, Glendora Marie Burger. "Nana" will be missed by so many, but especially by her daughter, beloved son in-law, Martin Edward O'Connor, her granddaughter and husband, Alexander Eric Metzner, and her great grandson, Tilly. She was blessed with many surrogate daughters, as well, who will miss her immensely. 

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many Earth Angels who helped Joan through the final days of her journey. Special thanks to Glenda, Jane, Dr. April Small and assistant, the Clare Bridge crew (including Dutchess), as well as, Katie and Bobby Jo in Assisted Living at Brookdale, and Hospice of Washington County.

At Joan's insistence, there will not be any viewing or funeral service. She will be interred at the Garden of Resurrection in Rest Haven Cemetery. To honor her memory, watch a sunset, meditate, eat a candy bar (dark chocolate with sea salt), nurture a child, and be kind to animals. Consider donating your time, sharing your talents, and contributing to worthy causes, as Joan did throughout her lifetime.