Joan M. Shields

Former long-time Porter, IN resident, Joan M. Shields, 87, of Gig Harbor, WA passed away peacefully with family by her side on June 25, 2018 in Tacoma, WA. Born April 28, 1931 in Chicago, IL, Joan married Archibald Douglas “Buzzy” Shields December 8, 1951 and started their family in the Italian neighborhood on Chicago’s south side.  Joan worked as an elevator operator at the Palmer House in Chicago while her husband served in the Army in Korea.  Joan and Buzzy moved their family to Porter, IN in 1962, where she was an active member and leader in the Women of the Moose and supported the Boy Scouts for all of her sons.  Joan was elected as the first female council member of the Town of Porter in 1979.  She was proud of this work and continued to be re-elected as councilwoman, lastly in 1995.  She left public office in 1997, when she and Buzzy retired to Washington State to be closer to family.  

Joan is survived by her sister, Marlene Meads, four sons, Douglas, Donald (Terry Miller), David, and Darin (Julie), three granddaughters, Samantha Dolese (Michael), Aurora Shields and Frances Shields, and three great-grandchildren, Jesse, Ivy and James Dolese.  She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Archibald Douglas Shields, brother, Jack Hill, sister-in-law, Lilian Hill, and sisters Dolores Merolla and Charlene Swedum.  Joan will be remembered for her love of family and friends as well as her animated stories, delicious meals and welcoming household. There was always room at her table for another friend and thanks to “Joannie,” friends of all four sons called the Shields house “home”.   

No services will be held; Joan and Buzzy’s ashes will be scattered by family in the San Juan Islands in Washington. 

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