Inez Ann Shakman

Inez Ann (Preston) Shakman, 80, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on April 3 at Ventura County Medical Center. Inez was a vibrant spirit, known for an immense dedication to her children, her joyous enthusiasm and deep curiosity, and the way she valued and supported old and new friends alike.

Born in Ventura on March 12, 1945, Inez graduated from Oxnard High School, earned an Associate of Arts degree at Moorpark College, continued studies at UCLA and maintained lifelong residency in Ventura. She found her true calling in raising her two sons, while also enjoying a 15-year career as a talent manager.

A passionate seeker and storyteller, Inez often saw herself in the lead character of the Patchwork Girl of Oz stitched together from many stories, endlessly curious, and full of life. She vigorously pursued her passions for rockhounding, genealogy, and history. Over years of tireless research, with many original sources, she studied her early California origins, including her Santa Cruz Island Chumash ancestors. She marveled at the historical characters and stories she discovered on this journey and shared them generously. Inez was also known as a friend and mentor to many young people, offering respect regardless of age, sharing encouragement, humor, and sometimes a playful sense of mischief.

For 27 years, she shared life with her partner, Robert Spjut, who predeceased her by less than a year. They traveled together, participated in the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, and were guardians to their beloved pets Willy, Joy, Jack, Robbie and Lacy.

Her two sons, Andrew Shakman and Matt Shakman, were the greatest joys of her life. She is survived by Andrew, his partner Vien Truong, and step-grandsons, Amaru Duncan-Andrade and Taiyari Duncan-Andrade, and by Matt, his wife Maggie Malone, and granddaughter, Maisie Malone Shakman. Her grandchildren brought Inez endless pride and happiness.

Inez is also survived by former husband, Robert Shakman, cousin Cinnamon Weaver, and honorary granddaughter, Hazel Marley. Midway through life, she was very grateful to reconnect with family member Matthew Vestuto.

Inez will be laid to rest at sea near Santa Cruz Island. Plans for a memorial will be shared in the future with more information available by contacting [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, donations in Inez’s memory may be made to the Museum of Ventura County.

Inez’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through her kindness, her stories, her fierce loyalty, and her unshakable belief in the creativity and goodness of those she loved.