Shields, Helen R.

ALBANY – Helen R. (Adams) Shields, 94, passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, May 20, 2018 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital.

Born in Albany, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Catherine (Gannon) Adams, Sr. and graduated from Vincentian Institute. Mrs. Shields worked in the executive office of Governor Dewey before raising her family. She was a longtime communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Parish (formerly St. James Church) and a loving wife and mother.

She was predeceased by her husband Joseph J. Shields, Jr., her brother Richard Adams and sisters Elizabeth Conrad and Kathleen Thomas. She is survived by her children Kathleen Concordia (late David), Eileen Shields, Susie Vita (Joseph), Joseph Shields (Emma), Thomas Shields (Karen Johnson), and Dee Hartigan (Christopher); her grandchildren Patrick Concordia, Joey Vita, Damian (Nicole) and Daniel Galdamez (Annabel), Joseph Shields, Conner and Kyle Hartigan; great-grandson Grant Galdamez; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with her family Friday, May 25 from 9-10:30 am in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, Inc., 490 Delaware Ave. Her Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 am in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 391 Delaware Ave. Interment after the Mass in Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery, Glenmont. Those who wish may send donations to St. Margaret’s Center, 27 Hackett Blvd., Albany, NY 12208 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.