On September 7th, 2023, Amy Shaw Parekh passed away peacefully in the presence of her husband, Sachin. She fought a valiant and courageous battle with kidney cancer for the past two years, ultimately succumbing to the awful disease. Amy was born in Austin, Texas to Murray and Diane Shaw on August 2nd, 1968, joining her three older brothers Bob, Bill, and Joe as the only daughter. Amy lived the majority of her life in South Austin, where she attended Odom and Sunset Valley Elementary schools, Porter Junior High, and then graduated from Crockett High School in 1986. Her circle of friends through these early years remained solidly intact until the end of her life, a testament to how she treasured and maintained friendships.
Throughout her life, Amy worked in various industries, most notably with Accent Travel. It was here where she was introduced to a special group of friends as well as discovering the wonders of travel, which she truly enjoyed. Wherever Amy went, whomever she met, she was always growing her ever-expanding and loving group of friends. These friendships were built during various stages of her life and based off of loyalty, camaraderie, and the simple enjoyment of each other’s company. From the beginning of her life to the very end, Amy was a unique, loving, and kind soul, touching so many lives along the way with her genuine warmth, generosity, and sense of humor.
Amy was a supreme giver, putting others over self and always wanting to help out anyone in need or to support someone in the middle of a crisis. Never was her giving soul more apparent than when she served as the main caregiver to both her Dad and Mom during their bouts with cancer. As their rock of stability and comfort, she navigated and supported them through the terribly difficult journey of their cancer treatments for over 20 years.
Amy eventually met a very special man, Sachin Parekh, who was much like her in terms of kindness, generosity of soul, and warmth. A chance meeting at a close mutual friend’s New Year’s Eve party led to an immediate connection, true love, and marriage in November 2004. Amy and Sachin loved doing things together, whether going to the movies, visiting new restaurants, cooking, traveling with friends, or enjoying their life at home. It truly was the simple things in life that they enjoyed the most, as long as they were together.
In August 2008, Amy gave birth to their son, Evan, who added a whole new level of joy, and Parekh Party of 3 was established. Evan was the sunshine of Amy’s life, a truly special young man with many talents and interests and whose personality and character are a reflection of his parents. Sachin and Evan served as Amy’s greatest source of pride, strength, and love and were the inspiration for her fight to survive. Amy always held these words close to her heart as they represented her love for her husband, son, family, and friends…”Always, in All Ways”.
While Amy’s passing has left us heartbroken, we are eternally blessed and grateful for having had such a special woman touch our lives.
Amy is predeceased by her parents Murray and Diane Shaw and brother Joe Shaw.
She is survived by her husband Sachin Parekh and son Evan Parekh; brother Bob and wife Rene, brother Bill and wife Dana; niece Alyssa Shaw and nephew Reagan Shaw; and other close relatives from both sides of her parents’ families. She also leaves behind many, many, many dear friends who became her family over the years.
The family would like to extend their special gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Jennifer Wright (Amy’s Oncologist), Dr. Louis Lux (Amy’s Palliative Care Physician), Dr. C. Ron Byrd (Amy’s Primary Care Physician), Rachael Hammerly and Rebecca Monti, and the many other caring nurses and staff at Texas Oncology.
In lieu of flowers, we warmly welcome you to consider a donation to one of the following in Amy’s memory:
American Association for Cancer Research - https://donate.aacr.org/
Jack C. Hays High School, Hawk Band and Guard – http://www.haysbands.org/store/p6/donations.html
SPCA of Texas - https://spca.org
A visitation for Amy will be held Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749.
A funeral service will occur Friday, September 29, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749.
A graveside service will occur Friday, September 29, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749.
A reception will occur Friday, September 29, 2023 at 1:00 PM, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749.
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