Shawn W Darby

Shawn W. Darby, age 78, died peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, in St. George, UT. She is preceded in death by parents, Robert and Helen, and cherished sheltie dogs, Kelly, Chelsea, Muffin, Tansy, and Giggles. She is survived by her sisters Trudy White and Carol Wasowski and their families. She was born in Rawlins, WY, and grew up in Cheyenne until a family move to Brigham City, UT, in 1962. During high school she earned top grades and also sang the lead role of Anna in the school production of “The King and I”. After graduation in 1965 she attended her beloved University of Utah, graduating with a major in mathematics and minor in physics. Shawn loved music. This joy was encouraged at home by parents who enjoyed musical performances and singing for the fun of it — in the car while traveling, while doing chores, when hiking, or at bedtime. The only rule was “no singing at the dinner table.” Shawn began piano lessons in elementary school and used her skills throughout her life to accompany and play for pleasure. After a brief marriage, 1971-73, Shawn moved to California. She worked at Hughes Aircraft/Aerospace, where she was a member of the Thermal Control Department and worked on satellite systems. Being present at the launch of “her” satellite at Cape Canaveral in Florida was a cherished memory. After 14 years at Hughes, Shawn became a caterer and studied food services at El Camino College, where she also was assistant director of and acted small parts in the college musical department. When she moved back to Salt Lake City, Shawn took small jobs until hiring into the engineering department at the U. From there she was recommended to a job in computer sciences and then to chemistry as an administrative coordinator. Her final “dream” job was as coordinating editor of the Journal of Organic Chemistry. She received her 25 year pin in 2013 when she retired from the U. of Utah. Shawn retired to St. George and lots of bridge playing, teaching, and achieving life master status. She was thrilled that there was no snow to shovel. Gourmet cooking and fine wine were also hobbies, and she cherished time with good friends. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Intermountain Health, Intermountain Hospice, and Black Rock who cared for Shawn with kindness, professionalism, and thoughtful guidance during some challenging times. Thanks and love to her close friends who were there always. In lieu of flowers, here are some suggested ways to honor Shawn: listen to a beautiful piece of music, sit in the hot sun 10 minutes when you are chilly, savor a delicious meal in good company, work a jigsaw puzzle, belt out a show tune, play bridge, throw a ball to your dog, go fishing. Shawn requested that her cremains be scattered in Utah and Wyoming,