Lillian “Lee” T. Shields, age 93, of Archbold and formerly of Delta, peacefully passed away Wednesday night, March 25, 2026, under the care of Hospice of Northwest Ohio at Fairlawn Haven in Archbold.
She was born Jan. 25, 1933, in New York, New York, to the late Andrew and Marian (Sostarich) Schabhuttl. Lee graduated in 1951 from Julia Richman High School in New York.
She went on to earn her Registered Nurse certification through New York Medical College, later furthering her education at the University of Pennsylvania, where she received her bachelor’s degree, and at Boston University, where she earned her master’s degree.
On Aug. 8, 1969, Lee was united in marriage to Charles “Chuck” Shields, who preceded her in death on Feb. 9, 2001. Lee devoted her life to education and healthcare. She taught at the University of Michigan for seven years before continuing her career in Toledo at the Medical College of Ohio, where she served for 17 years until her retirement in 1998.
She was a proud and active member of several organizations, including the National League for Nursing, the Toledo Museum of Art, the St. Therese Circle of the Rosary Altar Society at St. Caspar Catholic Church in Wauseon, and the Lifelong Learning program at Lourdes University. Lee found great joy in life’s simple pleasures and meaningful experiences.
In her earlier years, she enjoyed playing tennis and skiing. She also loved knitting, reading, socializing with friends, and spending time with her beloved dogs.
An avid traveler, Lee explored many parts of the world, including Israel, Brazil, and Europe, and cherished the many bus trips she took across the country with her friends.
She is survived by her loving children, Matt (Kristin) Shields of Archbold and Ruth (Melanie) Dun Moodie Shields of New York; her cherished grandchildren, Anna, Marian, Celia, Janae, John, and Jimmy; her nephew, Andy Schaw; and her special canine companion, “Jema.” In addition to her husband, Chuck, Lee was preceded in death by her brother, Alfred Schabhuttl on Oct. 28, 2009.
Visitation for Lee will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Barnes Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 5825 State Highway 109 in Delta, with a Rosary service at 7:30 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at St. Caspar Catholic Church, 1205 North Shoop Avenue, Wauseon, Ohio, with Father Todd Dominique officiating. Interment will follow at St. Caspar Cemetery in Wauseon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Caspar Catholic Church; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959; Doctors Without Borders, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030; Habitat for Humanity of Fulton County, P.O. Box 333, Delta, OH 43515; or The University of Toledo Foundation-UTRA Scholarship Fund, 4510 Dorr Street, Toledo, OH 43615-4040, in her memory.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com.