Elizabeth Shields
February 3, 2010
Elizabeth (Betty) A. Shields, 67, of Sanford died with her loving family by her side at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House on February 3, 2010 in Scarborough.
She was born on October 5, 1942 one of five children born to Lloyd P. and Phyllis L. (Sanborn) Burnell and was raised in Shapleigh, attending the local school before graduating from Sanford High School. She worked for a time at Morningstar in Kennebunk and then at Sprague Electric in Sanford.
Betty was a true country music fan whose favorite artist was Charley Pride. She knew most of his songs by heart and was a member of his fan club. Her dream came true when she attended one of his concerts. Betty loved eating out and was a talented cook, homemaker and was dedicated in taking care of her family and generous with her friends.
She possessed skills that led her in making a variety of crafts and gifts that became treasures for those who received one. During the day, she had her police scanner going and she was familiar with the tones for the many local rescue departments. Betty was always working on a jigsaw puzzle and her wonderful Maine Coon Cat named Wally took great delight in following her around the house. Of course Wally wasn’t spoiled! He was named for her beloved Red Sox and the famous green monster, the left field wall.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Melissa Welch of Sanford; her three sisters, Georgianna Huntress of Shapleigh; Marilyn Morin of Windham and Nancy Hersom of Shapleigh; seven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, a daughter, Wanda Shields and by her brother, Preston Burnell.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, February 12, 2010 at the Springvale Social Club at 5:30 p.m. Committal prayers and burial will be later in the spring.
Memorial donations may be made to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Rd., Scarborough, ME 04074.