Patricia Ann Shaw, who helped to shape and organize the East Hampton Independence Party when it was first formed in the early 1990s, died of lung cancer at her Amagansett home last Thursday. She was 70.
Ms. Shaw was one of 13 people who formed the local Independence Party in 1993, according to Elaine Jones, the current chairwoman, who believes she was the first woman to hold that same position in any local political party. She served in that role for about eight years, and was serving as treasurer at her death.
She was born Patricia Ann Lyon on June 26, 1949, in Remsenburg, to Gordon Little Lyon and the former Ruth King, and grew up in Sag Harbor, graduating from Pierson High School there. She lived for a time in Michigan, but moved to Amagansett after marrying Eugene Shaw on May 13, 1990. Two previous marriages ended in divorce.
“Patricia loved her family,” especially playing with her seven grandchildren, her daughter Tiffany Shaw of Amagansett said. She also loved animals, being outside, and going camping. She was a former Girl Scout troop leader.
She had worked in retail as a manager for Izod and Van Heusen before retiring.
In addition to her husband and Ms. Shaw, she is survived by two other daughters and three sons. They are Natashia Dzieszkowski and Erica Jackson, both of whom live in Michigan, and Steven Scott, Johnny Scott, and Todd Scott, all of Florida.
Three siblings, Laura Willer of Florida, John Willer of Michigan, and Katie Willer of Michigan, also survive. She was predeceased by her siblings Ruth Willer, Chuck Willer, Gordon Lyon, and Alice Caputo.
Visitation was held on Monday at the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in East Hampton, with funeral services on Tuesday morning. Burial followed at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in East Hampton.
The family has suggested memorial donations to East End Hospice, online at eeh.org, or the Amagansett Fire Department, P.O. Box 911, Amagansett 11930.