Mary Ann Schmidt Shields, 75, of Falmouth, KY, fought the good fight with multiple health challenges, before she passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Health Care in Florence, with her family at her side.
Born on June 3, 1949, in Cincinnati, OH, Mary Ann was a daughter of the late Dr. Martin Schmidt and Mary Jean Crotty Schmidt. Growing up in her father’s veterinary practice fostered Mary Ann’s love of animals. Her faithful four- legged companions throughout her life: Pepper, Biggin’, Tramp, Jack, Yoshi, Petey, Buddy, and Padre, received her devoted care.
After graduating from Pendleton High School in 1967, Mary Ann married Chester Thomas “Pete” Shields on July 24, 1968, and together they raised their three children, attended St. Francis Xavier Church, served and supported their parish family in many ways, and enjoyed making memories with friends and family, especially boating and water skiing on Lake Cumberland, dancing to her favorite Motown and 60’s music, playing bridge and euchre, golfing at Pendleton County Club, and bowling in a Wednesday afternoon league with the late Hank and Marilyn Shields Gallagher. At the age of 32, she graduated from NKU with her RN degree and she worked for Three Rivers Health Department in their home health program before continuing her career with 27 years of service at the former St. Luke Alcoholic Drug and Treatment Center in Falmouth. At St. Francis Xavier Church, Mary Ann worked on the cemetery committee, taught religious education, served as a Eucharistic minister, took on two tours of duty as the church office administrator, and even taught a class at the former St. Francis Xavier School in 1968. For two terms, she was elected to the Falmouth City Council. Pete and Mary Ann were charter members of the Pendleton Country Club.
In addition to her husband of 56 years, Pete Shields, she is survived by her three children: Jeannie Margaret Barnard, Peter Martin Shields and Ryan Thomas Shields; three grandchildren: Allie Sturgill, Trenton Shields, and Emma Barnard; one great granddaughter Denley Sturgill; her brother John Schmidt (Terri); and a host of extended family and friends.
Her sister Jane E. “Janie” Hesler preceded her in death on January 23, 2001.
Visitation will be from 9 to 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Woodhead Funeral Home, Falmouth with a KNA Nightingale Tribute at 11:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 noon on Saturday, at the St. Francis Xavier Church, 202 Second Street, Falmouth, KY 41040, with Fr. Britton Hennessey officiating. Prelude music by Dr. Greg Schaffer will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the church. Music for the mass will be shared by the Bishop’s Choir of the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption. Immediately following the mass, family and friends are invited to gather at the parish hall for food and fellowship.
Inurnment will take place at the convenience of the family in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Falmouth.
Memorials are suggested to St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, 202 Second Street, Falmouth, KY 41040, website: stxfalmouth.com or the Humane Society of Northern Kentucky: P.O. Box 166, Falmouth, KY 41040, website: humanesocietynky.org.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodheadfuneralhome.com.