Gertrude E. Shields

Gertrude was born on Feb. 2, 1931, in Portland, N.Y., a daughter of the late Michael and Arline Mead George.

She was an avid quilter, seamstress and taught Sunday school in Ripley, N.Y., for many years. Gertrude was also a Brownie leader.

She made delicious meals for her family and was an excellent baker, especially her pies. In addition, she loved taking care of her grandchildren and spent many hours telling stories, reading, exploring, and playing with her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Merle Shields in 1990; her infant daughter, Suzanne; two brothers: Robert and Charles; and her sister, Anna.

Gertrude is survived by three daughters: Cathleen Lowe of Niagara Falls, N.Y., Janice McAuley (Scott) of North East, and Debra Lyon (William) of Davis, Calif. Loving grand-mother of Jessica (Mark) Heary of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; Justin (Danielle and stepsons: Jacob and Parker) Lowe of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; Kristen (fiance, Jon Nalewajek) McAuley of Buffalo, N.Y.; Jennifer (fiance, Sam Edison) McAuley of Cincinnati, Ohio; Tom Lyon of Davis, Calif., and Bob Lyon of Spring-field, Mo. Great-grand-mother to Ashlea and Mackenzie Heary of Niagara Falls, N.Y.

Friends will be received at the W. Tad Bowers Fun-eral Home, 92 S. Lake St., North East, on Sunday from 2-5 p.m., and on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral services there at 11 a.m. Pastor Phil Johnson will officiate. Interment will be in East Ripley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 24 W, Main St,, Ripley, NY 14775 or the Ripley Volunteer Fire Department 11 S State St., Ripley, NY 14775.

To send condolences, please visit www.bowers funeralhome.com.