Emily Janean Carlson Shaw

Emily Janean Carlson Shaw, loving mom, daughter, sister, family member and friend to all, departed from this lifetime on Tuesday, August 31, 2021.

Emily was born in Logan, Utah to Peggy Jo Crump and Marlon Dean Carlson on September 21, 1979. She spent most of her childhood growing up in Holladay, Utah where she met many of her close life-long friends. She married Jason Shaw in 1998 and had her daughter Alexis Shaw in 2001.

Emily was a sensitive, compassionate soul who always put others' welfare above her own. She was always the “rainbow dolphin child” and nature was her natural place of peace and fulfillment, especially the ocean. She was beautiful inside and out and radiated love and compassion that touched many who looked to her for strength, love, and hope.

Emily had many accomplishments in her life. She received a BA in Social Work from the University of Utah. She then worked as a social worker helping low income families in crisis.

However, her true love and life's mission was the many children in her life, especially her daughter, Alexis who was her love and light. She loved and adored her nephews and nieces and was a true “auntie” to many of her friends' kids. She seemed to “adopt” children wherever she went and had a deep connection with them.

Emily had giant admiration and love for dogs. Her dog Annie was a true companion to her for the past few years.

After her divorce, Emily fell in love with Amberia (Weller) Carey, and together they created a beautiful, nurturing home for Alexis to grow up in.  

Emily journaled many aspects of her life, both her loves and struggles. Looking forward to a family trip to the ocean, she wrote, “We'll be swimming with Dolphins. Being with my favorite people and my favorite animals will be a memory I will never forget–perhaps what heaven would be like.”

Emily was preceded in death by her grandparents, Wendell and Emily Crump, Calvin Max Ensign, and her Uncle Bill Riley. We are sure it was a joyous reunion. Emily is survived by her daughter, Alexis H. Shaw, grandmother, Janice Ensign, her father Marlon Dean Carlson (Anita), mother Peggy Jo Crump Miller (Larry), brother Ryan Jeremy Carlson, brother Kyle Dean Carlson (Robyn), brother Daniel Carlson, nephews and nieces: Devon, Delaney, Dallin and Delilah Carlson. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who love her dearly.

Emily tried to lift others her whole life both in person and through social media. Her last post on facebook was “Namaste.”  

A private viewing will be on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor located at 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. A celebration of her life for all friends and family will follow on her birthday, Tuesday, September 21, 2021. It will be somewhere in nature where she was the happiest. Please check back for service details.

Namaste Emily, We love you!