Mary Shaw "Shawn" Zurlo was born in a 19th century farmhouse in Robeson County, North Carolina. She was a big sister to Archie, Helen, and Carole, a wife to Joseph, a mother to Melanie, an aunt to many, and a friend to legions. She was valedictorian of Tar Hell High School and president of every organization she ever joined, from the PTA to the Gunston Hall Docents Association, which she served with passion and creativity for 30 years. She was an expert on 18th century open-hearth cooking, and a true artist with wedding flowers. As the president and CEO of Blossoms and Bows, she beautified DC area nuptials for generations. She was a bride whisperer and a world-class molasses cookie maker; a storyteller with the greatest cackle in the continental United States; a fan of big hats, cute shoes, trashy British magazines, novels set in small Irish villages, slot machines, and cooking shows that prominently feature bacon and butter. She lived in Technicolor, saturating the world with beauty and laughter and grace. She will be forever missed.
