Obituary of Marie Shields

Marie Louise Shields passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at her home in Bristol, UK. Marie was born on May 16, 1964 in Montréal, QC, she was the daughter of Robert “Bob” and Pam (Dunn) Shields. She was one of four children, having two brothers, Robbie and Mark and sister, Susie. The family grew up in Saint John, NB. In 1973, the family moved to Fredericton where Marie attended Fredericton High School, she then studied Psychology at McGill University. After university, Marie decided to see a bit of the world and traveled to Europe, visiting many different countries, it was there she met her future husband, Ian. Marie and Ian returned to England together and lived in the North East for several years where they got married. While back in Canada, their family became complete when they adopted a baby girl from China, who they named Amelia. Soon after the family moved back to the UK and lived in Exeter for some time, before moving to Bristol, so that Marie could take up a new Editing position with a Magazine Publisher. Shortly after buying her house in Bristol in 2010, Marie was diagnosed with ALS. Marie defied all medical prognoses and soon gained a reputation as one tough cookie who would not let the disease defeat her easily. In fact during her fight with ALS, with the help of her caregivers she continued to do many of the things she had always done, such as visiting the The Old Vic Theater in Bristol with friends and family. Before getting ill, Marie had written and performed in a short play and was always writing short stories for competitions, and when in Canada she won a couple of literary awards. She also enjoyed travelling, gardening, painting and music. There will be a Memorial Mass at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at 11 am with Father Martin Arputham and Father John Jennings as celebrants. Interment will take place in St. Anthony’s Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to ALS. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com