Mary Shields, 91

Published 4:20 pm Sunday, April 1, 2012

Mary Shields, 91

Born:  July 21, 1917

Died: March 29, 2012

Mary’s life began on July 21, 1917, in Chicago. She was a graduate of Visitation High School in Chicago. On Feb. 13, 1942, Mary was joined in matrimony to Edward B. Shields at Visitation Catholic Church in Chicago. Together they lived in New Orleans, La., before returning to Chicago.

Mary was employed as a clerk at Chicago Teacher’s College and with the Chicago Public Schools for many years before retiring to Sister Lakes. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family.

Mary leaves her loving family: children, Edward J. of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, James P. (Loranne) of Chicago, and her “pride and joy” granddaughter Jennifer (Mitchell) Mika of Rolling Meadows, ll.

Mary passed away at the Timbers of Cass County on Thursday, March 29, 2012. She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas O’Reilly and Agnes O’Reilly (Bernard) Heil, her husband Edward, brothers Thomas O’Reilly and John (the late Eileen) O’Reilly, sisters Agnes (the late Jack) Belcher, Veronica (the late Jack) Bowen, and Florence (John) Hartman, and step-brothers Bernard, George and Arthur Heil.

Mary was a faithful parishioner at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church and was a member of the Sacred Heart Altar Guild.

Her family will receive friends on Tuesdayfrom 5 to 8 p.m. (Michigan time) at Yazel and Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, where Deacon Frank Wesolowski will conduct a Rosary at 7 p.m.  Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Father Kevin Covert on Wednesday at 11 a.m. (Michigan time) at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29961 Leach Rd., Dowagiac. Mary will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart of Mary Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her name can be directed to Sacred Heart of Mary Church or the Altar Guild. Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Mary at www.yazel-clark.com.