Hinsdale, NH – Maria C. Shaw, 88, of Pierce Road, a longtime resident of Hinsdale, died early Thursday morning, June 25, 2026 at her home following a period of declining health.
She was born on September 11, 1937 in Athol, Massachusetts, the daughter of Antonio and Jennie (Scalia) DeSantis. She was raised and educated in Athol, graduating from Athol High School with the Class of 1955.
She married Richard (Dick) Shaw, Sr. on September 30, 1961 at Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Church in Athol. They were happily married for over 50 years prior to his passing in 2012.
Dick and Maria moved to Hinsdale in 1965, where they raised their two children and were deeply involved in the community. Maria was employed by the Town of Hinsdale serving as secretary to the Board of Selectmen and Assistant Tax Collector. She retired following over 40 years of faithful and dedicated service to the Town of Hinsdale.
In addition to her employment, in 1978 she was elected as Supervisor of the Checklist, a position she held for 48 years, often running unopposed for reelection as no one dared to run against Maria.
A devout Catholic, Maria was a communicant of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church (Mary Queen of Peace Parish) where she was a long-time active member of Catholic Daughters and served as a CCD teacher when her children were young as well as a eucharistic minister for the parish.
Prior to his passing, Dick and Maria loved visits to Foxwoods with family and friends. Maria also enjoyed her television game shows, reading romance novels, and time shared with family and friends, especially her grandchildren.
Survivors include two sons, Richard Shaw, Jr. and wife, Patricia, of Litchfield, N.H. and Anthony Shaw and wife, Kristin, of Goffstown, N.H.; three grandchildren, Travis, Kyle and Connor; and a great grandson, Bentley. She was predeceased by a grandson, Matthew, on July 7, 2025.
Additionally, she leaves several cousins and many friends from Hinsdale and Athol. The family would especially like to thank her close friends and neighbors who lovingly cared for Maria, allowing her to stay safely in her home until the time of her passing.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, July 2nd at 10:00 A.M. at Saint Joseph’s Church on Brattleboro Road in Hinsdale followed by a short reception at the church. Committal Rites and burial will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery in Athol at 1:00 P.M.
Friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 1st, from 4 to 6 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
To share a memory or offer condolence to the family, please visit www.atamaniuk.com.
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