MARY SHIELDS

Mary Ellen Shields
February 28,1950 – September 1,2021

Mary Ellen Shields, a resident of Lancaster, California since January 1987, passed away Wednesday, September 1,2021. Mary was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to George H Lawler and Beatrice Lawler, now deceased. Mary was married to her husband of 46 Years, Clifford Shields in Omaha, Nebraska in 1975.
Mary graduated from Saint Edmonds High School in Fort Dodge and attended Iowa Central Community College. She was a medical assistant to doctors and dentists in Fort Dodge and later worked at Mercy Hospital in Mason City, Iowa. She attended Antelope Valley College and became certified in Early Childhood Education. Mary worked at Sacred Heart School, and Desert Christian School before founding Mission Bell Preschool in 1994. Mary served as Director and teacher for 14 years before retiring in 2007. In addition to her loving family, 3- and 4-year-old children were her favorite people on earth. “Miss Mary” touched the lives of many families in the Antelope Valley.
Mary was preceded in death by her two brothers, George Lawler Jr. and Robert Lawler. She is survived by her sister, Peg Vanourny (Dr. Stephen) and her brother Dennis Lawler (Sue). Mary had three children, Terri Budke, Tim Shields (Tara), and Sarah Treusdell (Dean).
Mary was blessed with eight grandchildren, Hannah and Jackson Budke, Kailynn, Colin, Peyton, and Reagan Shields, and Maddison and Heather Treusdell. Mary’s greatest joy was her grandchildren. She was the grandma every child wanted. She attended to every detail of any occasion…Pumpkin carving with many extra games and sloppy joes for all. Christmas cookie baking marathons and frosting fun could always be expected. Mary made every birthday special. Mary was deeply loved by her family and all who had the honor of knowing her. Mary was funny and her laughter was contagious.
There will be a viewing at Halley Olsen Funeral Home (44831 North Cedar Ave, Lancaster, CA 93534) on Thursday, September 16th from 1-4 pm, with a rosary starting at 3 pm. Funeral services will take place at St. Serra Parish (42121 60th St West, Lancaster, CA 93536) on Friday, September 17th at 10 am with grave site service following the funeral mass at Good Shepherd Cemetery.