Obituary of Patricia R. Shields

Patricia Ruth Shields Patricia (Patti) Shields, age 84, of Pennsville, New Jersey, passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 in Ft. Myers, Florida. Patti was born on September 30, 1940 to Peter and Elinor Parizzi. She was the beloved wife of the late William L Shields Sr. and the cherished mother of William L Shields Jr. and Donna L Barbera (James). She was the proud grandmother of Johnny Drummond, Eric Drummond, Nicole Locantora (Andrew), Chad Shields, Blane Shields (Carly), Cole Shields and Robyn Thompson (Chris). She was a great grandmother to 15 great grandchildren. Patti is also survived by her loving brother Peter Parizzi Jr. and niece and nephew, Sonya Johnston (Jay), and Anthony Parizzi (Nancy), and numerous other family members and friends. Patti graduated from Salem High School Class of 1958 where she was an outstanding athlete on both the field hockey and basketball teams. She went on to obtain her nursing degree at Pennsylvania Hospital graduating in 1960, and years later obtained her bachelor's degree from Glassboro State College. Patti was an RN and worked at Wilmington Hospital and Salem Memorial Hospital before being employed by the Pennsville School District as the school nurse at Deepwater Elementary, Central Park Elementary, and eventually Pennsville High School beginning in 1973 and retiring in 2004 with 31 years of service. Mom was an active member of P.O.B.S. (Pennsville Old Broads) and enjoyed that time spent with long time friends at their monthly luncheons. She was hardworking, caring, fun loving, and had a great sense of humor! She always had a positive outlook on life and persevered with kindness, strength and grace. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. The family would like to extend a special "Thank You" to Mary Lawrence, Debbie Shimp, Sue Gorman, Kathy Poeta, Betty McGraw, and Elaine Beneke who took such wonderful care of Mom in her home for over a year before we had to move her to Florida. "Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love." – Lamentations 3:32 Funeral services will be held Friday October 25, 2024 at Laughrey Funeral Home, One North Broadway, Pennsville, NJ 08070. Visitation begins at 10:00am, service at 11:00 with burial following at Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro, NJ. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association