Obituary of Susan Rae Sparrow

SPARROW, SUSAN RAE, 66, of Paoli, passed away on October 7, 2023 after a valiant battle with cancer. Susan was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, she married Jay Sparrow in 1975. The couple recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary. She was an accomplished seamstress, working for Turner Dolls for many years before turning to designing and crafting her own creations under the name Susan Sparrow’s Sewing, which she sold at markets and craft shows, enjoying a loyal clientele and gaining many friends. She was known as a wonderful host who welcomed everyone to her home. In addition to hosting her own family gatherings, the Sparrow house became a second home and family to many of her children’s friends, offering a friendly environment to relax and feel loved and seen. Never one to stifle her opinion, Susan was a singular personality that gave of her big heart freely. An avid University of Louisville and Green Bay Packers fan, she loved science fiction, music of all sorts, and had large collections of almost any kind of kitschy item she found interesting, pretty, or odd. Susan was the daughter of the late K. H. Shaw III and Mary Lou (Beyerle) Shaw. She was predeceased by her siblings David Anthony and Kay Ann. She is survived by her husband Jay Sparrow; children Osula Kirby, Sheila Sparrow-Hearth (Joel), Jessica Hoggatt (Michael), and Phillip Sparrow (Stephanie); grandchildren Jaudon Kirby, Jr., Anastasia Clifton, Nickelloas Clifton, and Donald Clifton; siblings Dennis Shaw (Luanne), Robert Shaw (Debbie), Andrea Mills (Kevin), Knowles "Buddy" Shaw IV (Becky), and John Shaw (Melissa). Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Monday, October 16th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary. Burial will be in the National Cemetery in New Albany, IN. Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday, October 15th at the Day & Carter Mortuary. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.