Evelyn J. M. Shields

Evelyn Jane Martinson Shields

Born March 22, 1936 in St. Paul, MN, Evelyn went peacefully to heaven on October 2, 2023 in Rockford, IL., surrounded by family at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center.

She is survived by her four children: Laurie (Rick) Bradshaw of FL, Scott (Lisa) Hanson of TN, Kathy (Aaron) Acomb of TN, and Kristi (Paul) Nelson of IL; eight grandchildren: Rick Bradshaw, Niki Cole, Chris Hanson, Jennifer Hanson, Samuel Acomb, Wesley Nelson, Russell Nelson, and Caleb Acomb; and five great-grandchildren: Ellie Cole, Chase Hanson, Sloane Douell, Brielle Hanson, and Barrett Cole.

Evelyn grew up in St. Paul, MN and went to the University of Minnesota to get her degree in Dental Hygiene. She loved music and used her first paycheck to buy her piano, which the family still has.

She lived all over the country while raising her children, and wherever they lived, she made great friends. Evelyn was a serious student of the Bible--always involved in a Bible study or Precept class. She loved Jesus, her family and friends, and entertaining. She also loved to travel, both across the US and abroad (to visit her relatives in Sweden) up until she was 80 years old.

She began drawing in college and picked up art again in her 50s with her dad. From acrylic painting on sweatshirts to oils on canvas to pastels and watercolor—no media was out of her reach. She could lose all track of time while painting, even forgetting to eat. She leaves behind a legacy of amazing artwork, much of which has found its way into greeting cards. Truly a beautiful person, Evelyn will be greatly missed.

Fitzgerald Funeral Home on S. Mulford will host a visitation (1:00-3:00) and service (3:00) on Sat., Nov. 4, 2023. In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to Northern IL Hospice.

Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com