Kathrine “Kay” Dana Shaw, South Orange County Philanthropist and Businesswoman, Passes Away at 102
Kathrine “Kay” Dana Shaw, a prominent figure in south Orange County philanthropy and business, has sadly passed away at the age of 102. Her death occurred on January 8, leaving behind a legacy that will be forever etched in the community.
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A Life Dedicated to Publicity, Entrepreneurship, and Charity
Prior to her passing, Shaw held the esteemed title of being the oldest living relative of Dana Point’s namesake, author Richard Henry Jr. However, she was also a local celebrity in her own right. In the 1950s, she made a name for herself as a publicist and play producer. Later in life, Shaw transitioned into entrepreneurship and dedicated herself to various charitable causes.
Shaw’s impact on the early history of south Orange County cannot be overstated. She moved to La Verne, where she eventually passed away, five years ago, leaving behind a lasting contribution to the community.
A Born Leader and Businesswoman
Born Kathrine Dana in Mesa, Arizona, on April 28, 1921, Shaw was destined to be a leader and businesswoman. Her daughter, Cynthia Bowers, describes her as someone who defied expectations and chose a path different from what her family had envisioned for her.
Instead of pursuing a writing career, as her family desired, Shaw decided to pursue acting. She believed that this profession would provide a way out of poverty for herself, her mother, and her siblings.
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A Journey into Publicity and Theater
In her twenties, Shaw founded Catherine Coleman’s Charm School, an etiquette school, while also working on the production of “The Drunkard,” a popular temperance play in Los Angeles. During this time, she developed her skills as a publicist, selling tickets for the show and handling its promotion to the community.
Through her work in the theater, Shaw crossed paths with Walter Knott, the owner of Knott’s Berry Farm. Recognizing her talent for publicity, Knott allowed her to lease the Bird Cage Theatre on his property. Shaw produced and performed in plays such as “The Streets of New York” and “Riverboat Revenge,” drawing large audiences to the theater and the adjacent petting zoo, Old MacDonald’s Farm.
A Lifetime of Love and Service
It was at Old MacDonald’s Farm that Shaw met Fulton Shaw, whom she married in 1959. The couple remained together for 40 years until Fulton’s death in 1999. They opened a marionette stage in Mission Viejo and dedicated their time to supporting local businesses and community organizations in San Juan Capistrano.
In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Shaw also worked with abused children, at-risk youth, and corresponded with prisoners through a Bible study program called “The Narrow Way.” Her daughter, Cynthia Bowers, emphasizes that Shaw, like her relative Richard Henry Dana Jr., devoted her life to helping the poor and disadvantaged.
A Legacy of Community Involvement
Kay and Fulton Shaw played a vital role in the founding of the renowned Swallow’s Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano. In 2008, Shaw even served as the parade’s grand marshal, but not without a condition. She agreed to the position only if the city could use the parade to promote ways the community could support incarcerated individuals through her prison ministry.
Bowers highlights the importance of looking out for the less fortunate, a value deeply rooted in the Dana family. She adds that her mother was also a staunch advocate for the powerless.
Preserving Her Family’s History
In recent times, Shaw and her family visited the O’Neill Museum in San Juan Capistrano, where she read excerpts from her book, “Mover and Shaker: Remarkable Woman Making Her Mark In A Man’s World.” Published in March, the book provides a firsthand account of Shaw’s life and her unwavering support for the Mission Viejo, Dana Point, and San Juan Capistrano communities.
Cynthia Bowers hopes that people will read her mother’s book as a way to honor her memory and gain a deeper understanding of their family’s history.
A Fond Farewell
Shaw was a long-time resident of San Juan Capistrano before relocating to La Verne in 2019. She is survived by her three children, Cynthia Shaw Bowers, Carl Coleman, and Barbara Christine Coleman Meadows, as well as her two stepchildren, Patte Shaw and Syril Shaw.
Details about a memorial service to commemorate Shaw’s life will be announced at a later date.
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