Elfrieda Shaw, 87
Elfrieda “Lee” Shaw, 87, Griswold, died peacefully Monday, April 29, 2013, at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha, surrounded by loved ones.
Lee, daughter of Luke D. Patrick, D.D.S., and Elfrieda (Weight) Patrick, was born April 6, 1926, in Wilkinsburg, Pa. Lee was baptized at the South Ave. Methodist Church and was the older sister of Jo Ann Nelson.
Lee survived rheumatic fever as a child and recovered to play tennis, ride horses, snow ski and swim. She learned to fly a plane, assisted in a local medical practice and was proud to attend Havergal Girl’s College in Canada.
Lee married George Hartfield in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1948. To this union four children were born. Lee was later married to the love of her life, Frederick Wellman Shaw Jr.,“Stretch,” of Augusta, Maine in August 1961 in Las Vegas. They met and resided in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. and Hot Springs, Ark. before settling for a time in Omaha. Shortly after this, their daughter was born.
Lee and Stretch moved to Red Oak where Stretch was a singing bartender and Lee accompanied him on piano. They performed at the then Holiday Inn. They went on to purchase an establishment in Griswold called the “Leprechaun Lounge.” The Leprechaun was a hub of entertainment, community and memories for many years.
Stretch encouraged Lee to develop her painting talents and together they opened the “Menehune” (for the little people) Art Studio. Lee became a well know artist and mentor to fellow artists, young and old. Lee was also passionate about music, taught piano and was a member of the Tuesday Music Club.
After selling both her businesses, Lee was involved with the Underground Railroad, by becoming the caretaker of the Lewis Hitchcock House, a National Historical Landmark, for seven years. Lee retired in Council Bluffs at the age of 80. She continued to learn and grow in many ways. She was an avid reader, swam at the Senior Center and reached out to those around her.
Lee was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands and one great-granddaughter.
Survivors include three sons, Patrick Hartfield and wife Georgia Ann of Council Bluffs, Luke Hartfield of Glenwood, Docker Hartfield and wife Ellen of Omaha; two daughters, Michelle Hartfield of Griswold and Ardith Shaw-Boeck and husband Chris of Audubon; a sister, Jo Ann Nelson; 10 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren, other relatives, and friends.
Lee had an adventurous spirit, liberal personality and spunky flare. God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.
Services were in Griswold Friday, May 3, 2013. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Art Department of Griswold Community Schools.