Mary H. Shiels

Obituary Mary Shiels 1914 ~ 2008 Mary passed away peacefully on Monday, February 11, 2008. She was born in Duluth, Minn on July 2, 1914 to Otto and Mathilde (Genthner) Hessert. She attended schools in Duluth, Minnesota, including a private secretarial school and University of Minnesota's extension courses. She moved to Tacoma in 1936 and married John Shiels on 10/3/1949. She is preceded in death by her husband John Shiels, died in 1985, son-Thomas Wileen, died 1983. She is survived by Son-Gordon Wileen, CAPT USN, retired, and wife Jeanne Wileen, Grandsons, Charles and Peter Wileen, Stepson-John Shiels, CDR USN retired, Stepdaughter-Mary Edwards. Mary joined Weyerhaeuser in 1951 and retired in 1982 as a secretary in the executive offices and was highly regarded for her work. She volunteered for the American Cancer Society's "Reach for Recovery" program, was a member of PEO Chapter "C" over 60 years, member of University Place Presbyterian Church since 1969, serving on a number of committees and as a deacon for 12 years. Her interests included bridge, crossword puzzles, and reading, along with being a Senior Aerobics participant. She was a strong supporter of the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at the University Place Presbyterian Church at 2:00 pm. She will be interred in the family plot at the New Tacoma Cemetery with her late husband, John, in a private service. Should anyone care to designate a gift in her memory, she would prefer that it be used as a living memorial by University Place Presbyterian Church, PEO special projects, and Shriners Children's Hospital in Portland, Oregon Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.