Catherine Hazel Shields (Brindle), age 92, passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2022. Born in Chambersburg on November 4, 1930, she was one of 13 children of the late Wilbert Charles Brindle and Ruth Ellen Davis Brindle.
Catherine was a member of the “Greatest Generation” a child of the depression. She was born from simple beginnings, attended school to the 8th grade, respected authority, and harvested the rewards of a life of hard work. Like her generation, she was reluctant to impose on others. She took great pride in being self-sufficient. Her knowledge of life well exceeded her formal education.
Catherine’s life was a rock of stability. She cherished her marriage of 66 years to her soulmate, John Harvey Shields (1930-2019) whom she married on Valentine’s Day on February 14, 1953. They lived in the family home in Scotland for 60 years providing a lifetime of love and affection.
Catherine’s greatest joy in life was with family and friends. She was known for being a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed vacationing in Chincoteague, Virginia, where she had a summer home for 20 years. She also loved country music, gardening, and seeing the white-tailed deer at Letterkenny Army Depot. She attended Mt. Pleasant United Brethren Church for over 60 years.
Surviving are two children, Woodrow R. Shields of Silver Spring, MD and Christine R. Shields of Biglerville; two grandchildren, William J. Shields and Leslie A. Melton; eight great-grandchildren; sisters Hilda Irene Fahnestock and Carol Ann Laird; and dozens of nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss her greatly.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by five sisters: her identical twin sister Dorothy Grace Winn, Elizabeth Viola Johnson, Ida Mae Brindle, Mary Ellen Spoonhour, Carrie Rebecca Shearer and five brothers: John Martin, Charles William Brindle, Roy Nelson Brindle, George Henry Brindle, and Chester Eugene Brindle.
A memorial service will be held 6:00 PM, Tuesday, January 3, 2023 in Mt. Pleasant United Brethren Church, 2509 Black Gap Road, Chambersburg, PA 17202 with Pastor Jim Bolich officiating. Interment at the Cashtown Cemetery will be private. Online condolences may be offered on Catherine’s Book of Memories page at www.geiselfuneralhome.com.