Eileen and Jim Shaw

In many ways, Eileen Shaw was the musical cog in the wheel of social life at South Reformed Church. She was the always-dependable volunteer choir director and organist when none other was available, and she was often asked to sing at weddings. She had a beautiful soprano voice. Ever the ebullient one, Eileen always had a smile for everyone, and she was sincerely interested in the well being of every one at the church.

Wherever Eileen went, her husband Jim was right by her side. Both worked full-time jobs in Manhattan. They had no children of their own, so it was understandable that Eileen took a shine to the Nelson boys when they emerged on the church social scene in the late forties and throughout the fifties. In particular, Dick Nelson, ever the teasing sociable prankster, had Eileen wrapped around his finger. She was forever laughing at his comedic antics. What followed was the germ of an idea that would produce some incredible indelible memories etched in the minds of many for eons: the birth of the Choristers, a social group for all members of all ages who had an interest in performing in musical plays produced by the group, with Eileen as the Musical Director.

Eileen had a niece, Mary Dorans, who was sweet on Allen Nelson for years. Once Allen married Alice Johnson, Mary found a mate in Harry Losey.

The Shaws were also influential in getting the Nelson clan to the Pinecliff Lake area of West Milford, New Jersey, because for years the Shaws had owned a waterfront summer cottage on the lake. Actually, Jim the industrious and resourceful handyman built the cottage by himself.