Charlotte Shields

Charlotte Maire Ludwig Shields Charlotte was born on September, 29th 1923 in St. Paul, MN to Charles Ludwig and Maire (Nee) Capristrant. Charlotte was the oldest of four siblings. Her and her brothers Jack, Donald, and Bill grew up in the St.Clair/Hamline neighborhoods of St. Paul. One of her favorite childhood memories was sharing a room with her Scottish Grandmother Keyes who kept her teeth in a jar bedside the bed. With her first pair of scissors she started cutting paper dolls, which was one of her favorite pastimes as a child. In high school she enjoyed many free films as her father worked as a projectionist in the St. Paul movie theaters. Since her family still had a paycheck during the depression they used to take in other families who were in need. This instilled a deep sense of service and compassion in Char which she continued to live throughout her life. She graduated high school from St. Joseph’s Academy (SJA) in 1941 where she learned typing – a skill that would come in very handy both for her career and because she loved(!) to write letters. After graduating high school Char worked for the Navy in Washington DC with the Seabees and then as a medical secretary in Minneapolis, Minnesota after her return home. On June 9th, 1951 Char married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, William Russell Shields in Manitowoc, WI at Holy Innocence Catholic Church. Char first met Bill (“Russ”) in high school but had known him throughout her childhood as one of the “Shields brothers” that rode their bikes around the neighborhood. They attended several high school dances together, including senior prom, although when Char first met Bill she thought he was “too cocky”. Obviously that opinioned changed! Char and Bill lived in Manitowoc for approximately three years after they were married where had their first daughter Kathleen LauraMarie (53’). Eighteen months later they moved to Minneapolis, MN where they had their second child, William Russell Jr (54’). Shortly after Char moved to 115 Dahlia St in Mahtomedi. This was a memorable move for Char as she made the move with two small children during a snowstorm while her husband was recovering in the hospital. Soon after, number three, Patrick Michael was born (55’). Between the years 1958-1965 Char had her son Gregory John (58’), Mary Jo (59’) and Laurie Marie (65’). Char spent her young adult years raising her six kids in Mahtomedi and volunteering with her church, St. Jude of the Lake, the Carmelites sisters, and numerous local organizations. Despite her many commitments in the community, Char’s main focus was her family. She made home special with canned tomatoes and pickles, Shields spaghetti, chow mein and homemade cinnamon rolls– she insisted everything be made from scratch. Char loved embroidery (pillowcases!) and spending time finding the perfect newspaper clipping for each friend and family member. She always said if she was buried with a pile of magazines and her scissors she’d be in heaven! In 1989 Char embarked on a new lifestyle without her beloved husband “Russ”. She lived to be the grandmother of 15 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed. God’s love and our’s too – The Shields Family Obituary as published in the Pioneer Press SHIELDS Charlotte Marie (nee Ludwig) Beloved Mother, Grandmother & Great Grandmother Age 95 of Mahtomedi-formerly of St. Paul. Passed away peacefully Surrounded by her family on 9/28/18.She is preceded in death by husband William; parents and brothers. Survived by children Kathleen (Greg) Shields-Carlson, Bill (Gayle), Patrick, Greg, Mary (Mike) Wigstrom, Laurie (Doug) Moga; 15 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; cousins and friends. She will be sadly missed by all for her great sense of humor, caregiving, loving and thoughtfulness. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday (Oct 4) at 11:00 am at ST. JUDE OF THE LAKE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 700 Mahtomedi Avenue, Mahtomedi. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday from 4-8:00 pm at MUELLER MEMORIAL, 4738 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake and one half hour before the Mass at church on Thursday. Memorials preferred