Cynthia Mary Shaw

SANFORD---Cindy Shaw, 76, of Shaw’s Ridge Farm, Sanford, passed away peacefully at home on January 14, 2024, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Her beloved husband, Richard, was by her side. She was born November 9, 1947, daughter of the late Elgena and Irving Cook of Shapleigh, sister to Cheryl Cook, and was a graduate of Sanford High School. She continued on to further her education at Cosmetology school in Portland, ME. For over 30 years, Cindy owned and operated Cindy’s Beauty Salon of Saco, Maine, retiring in 2017. Being a hairdresser was a profession she loved and shared with countless clients who brought joy into her life each day. Cindy married the love of her life, Richard H. Shaw, in 1992 and created a home with him at Shaw’s Ridge Farm, Sanford. Known fondly as “Mrs. Shaw” by countless generations of Shaw’s Ridge staff members, she was best-known on the property for the beautiful gardens she crafted year after year. Her skills came naturally, and it was a hobby she truly loved. Her expansive perennial gardens and window boxes brought visitors from far and wide, and she could often be seen watering her flowers at dawn and dusk daily. She was an integral part of Shaw’s Ridge Ice Cream, and her role will never be forgotten. Many signature ice cream flavors, including Native Strawberry, White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle, and Mocha Macadamia, were all thanks to Mrs. Shaw. Many locals may remember running into her at the strawberry fields while she picked dozens of strawberry flats at daybreak each late June, all hand-selected by Mrs. Shaw for the Native Strawberry Ice Cream. Cindy had a love of travel, and throughout her lifetime she visited the shores of Florida, Hawaii and Mexico with her husband. These trips were a quick reprieve from cold Maine winters, where the sun, warmth and salt water would heal her hard-working hands. She and Richard also have fond memories of traveling with their closest friends, trips that were very special to Cindy. New England was near and dear to her heart as well, as she spent a great deal of time in Kennebunkport, ME, as well as Portsmouth, NH, Boston, MA and Manchester, VT. Cindy had many loyal friendships and relationships throughout her life. Sentiment shared from Cindy’s closest friends and family includes: "Cindy was a dear and long-loved friend whom I shared wonderful moments with in 62 years of friendship. She was one of the most beautiful and loving people I have ever known. For all of us who knew and loved Cindy, we will remember her irresistible personality, her effortless smile, and her natural charm.” “My sister was the best; I idolized her from the start. She took me to see ballets, shows, and musicals, and would often take me to Boston where we would shop and enjoy a new restaurant every trip. She loved her jewelry and is responsible for my love of jewelry and career path. I will miss her dearly.” “Cindy was a beautiful person inside and out. She made the world a better place, and was a gift to all who knew her. She had a quiet manner but was strong while delicate in her strength. Her home with my brother will not be the same without her. We all loved Cindy.” “Cindy was an amazing teacher by example- a teacher of love, beauty, creativity, selflessness, compassion and boundless energy.” “Cindy always had so much energy; she would leave her hair salon in Saco, return to the farm and RUN with the water hoses to tend to her flowers. Her Mandevilla flower pots were the talk of the town.” “Cindy had a great sense of style, always wearing classic clothes and jewelry. She was also a great cook, and always willing to share her recipes. She was a generous guest and generous host, bringing lovely gifts and delicious wine.” “Cindy was the epitome of a beautiful thing in a small package; she was a good cook, gracious hostess, and generous friend. She always put hard work and others’ needs before her own. She had an eye for color and was an impeccable dresser. She appeared to thrive on hard work and was never idle. Cindy was the perfect partner in life, work and marriage.” “I admired Cindy’s kindness and ability to listen and care about what you had to say. She loved her work and she loved her life with Richard. She had a very special love and talent for creating and designing the flower gardens and window boxes at Shaw’s Ridge; not only did people come to enjoy the ice cream, but also to spend the time to walk around admiring her beautiful gardens.” “She was a generous, welcoming, loving person. I will always remember special moments with her at campfires on the patio, and will truly miss waving to her when she would stand at the window. I will keep her close to my heart.” “Cindy was the epitome of natural sophistication and she had a warmth with my elderly mother that I will never forget.” “I will always remember Cindy for her admirable work ethic with a quiet energy to create stunning gardens for all who enjoyed spending time at Shaw’s Ridge.” “Cindy had a big heart, and she always checked in on our family and asked how our kids were.” “Cindy showed me through her gentleness that my heart can still be broken.” “You were my sweetheart.” A celebration of Cindy’s life will be planned for this Spring; a time when her favorite flowers will be back in bloom at Shaw’s Ridge. More information to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Cindy Shaw to the Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org