Theresa Shields

Age 86, formerly of Horseheads, passed away Monday, June 8, 2015 at Albany Medical Center. Theresa was born in Buffalo NY on September 28, 1928 a daughter of Agnes (Stanek) and Stanley Ptak. She is survived by her husband of 62 years John J. Shields; children, Mark K. Shields, with wife Laura, of Dublin OH, and their children, Carrie Mae (Troy Thimmes), Kevin and Kellen; Karen A. Silvernail , with husband Robert, of Corpus Christi TX, and their children, John and Joseph; Michael J. Shields, with Tracy Goodman, of Latham NY, and his children, Christopher, Brendan and Claire; Susan M. Shields, with Martin Thiel, of Liverpool NY, and her son Adam (Brittany Schiefen); John P. Shields, with wife Suzanne, of Sinking Springs PA and their sons, Brian and Timothy; great-grandchildren, Lily Shields, Ben and Shawn Silvernail; brother-in-law Peter Shields of Naples FL; sister-in-law Patricia Shields of Elmira; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Theresa is predeceased by her sisters, Lydia Ptak, Florence (Robert) Ritter, Alice (Henry) Loga, sisters-in-law Margaret (Albert) Betts, Winnie Shields, brother-in-law Robert Shields. Theresa was a graduate of both Niagara University and Mount St. Mary's School of Nursing. She was a registered nurse at St. Joseph's Hospital, Elmira for many years. Theresa and John enjoyed traveling, especially their trip to Italy where they toured the Vatican and visited Florence. They also enjoyed bike riding on Martha's Vineyard and throughout the Canadian provinces. She enjoyed running, setting a personal best time at the Bank of Boston Half Marathon, New Bedford MA. A die-hard Buffalo Bills fan Theresa followed her team faithfully. Theresa was a long time communicant of St. Mary Our Mother Church where she was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society. Family was most important to Theresa. She loved the time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, on Friday, June 12, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 8:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m., St. Mary Our Mother Church, Horseheads. Interment will follow in St. Mary Our Mother Cemetery. Theresa was a 46-year survivor of breast cancer. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, 2811 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 500, Santa Monica CA 90403.