SHIELDS, Mary Ellen

February 28,1950 – September 1, 2021

Mary Ellen Shields, a resident of Lancaster, Calif. 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, Neb. 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, three

and four 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 16, from 1-4 p.m. with a

rosary starting at 3 p.m. Funeral services will take place at St. Serra Parish (42121 60th St. West, Lancaster, CA 93536) on Friday, September 17 at 10 a.m. with grave site service following the funeral mass at Good Shepherd

Cemetery.