Madeleine Shields Obituary


SHIELDS, Madeleine (Longo) Died peacefully in Victoria on November 16, 2005, at the age of 72. Artist, mentor, spiritual counsellor, Madeleine leaves behind a large network of women and men who have worked with her over the years. Loved by her husband John, her sister Liz (Sam Pollock), and her brother John (Joanne), Madeleine's family includes 27 nieces and nephews and their children. She is predeceased by her mother Anna and father Sam, sisters Mary and Fran, and brother Louis. Madeleine was trained as an adult education instructor in Toronto, and went on to develop or found Information Centres for the Catholic Church in Saskatoon, Calgary and Vancouver. Her last work for the Church was Adult Education Director at St. Austin's in Texas. In 1969 she moved to Victoria. In Victoria she taught autistic children at Pacific Center in Metchosin, sold pottery at the Potters Wheel, taught Life Skills to women in Fernwood. Her Life Skills work led her to see the needs of single parent women and became her motivation to found the Single Parent Resource Centre becoming its first Executive Director as well as offering frequent Life Skills courses. She was instrumental in the revival of the Community Social Planning Council, serving as president of the board and acting Executive Director until the board was able to hire a Director. In 1980, Madeleine made a career change from social service to art, which she had practiced as a hobby since her teen years. After attending the Victoria College of Art, she apprenticed with the artist Jack Wise. Jack introduced Madeleine to the mandala, which is both art and spiritual practice. She spent the next 20 years painting mandalas as well as practicing the spiritual principles that she learned as integral to this form of painting. She welcomed many students and learners into the mandala practice, and acted as a spiritual guide to those who sought her counsel. She donated a mandala which she painted especially for UNICEF that became an internationally-sold Christmas Card. Lymphoma cancer took its toll on her ability to paint, but never affected her deeply spiritual consciousness. She is greatly loved and missed. A memorial service in celebration of her life is scheduled for Sunday, December 4th at 1:30 in the John T. Shields (BCGEU) building, 2994 Douglas Street, Victoria. Madeleine has requested that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in her name to the Single Parent Resource Centre, 602 Gorge Road East, V8T 2W6. 176705

Published by The Times Colonist from Nov. 18 to Nov. 20, 2005.

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Memories and Condolences
for Madeleine Shields

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19 Entries

It is thirteen years later. It is the time of year when Madeleine passed: indeed, it is thirteen years and thirteen days since her passing. Numerology was but one of the many kinds of symbolisms that guided the mystery of the journey she understood as her mandala work, soul-work, and spiritual guidance working with others. For various reasons, I was not around to contribute my condolences and gratitude and love here, after Madeleine's transition. And now John as transitioned, too. My life was enriched by knowing her ~ studying with her ~ learning from her ~ witnessing her contemplative, explorative, richly guided life and hearing about the remarkable and unusual relationship she shared with John. Thank you, Madeleine, for the seeds you planted in me and so many others, with your presence and your luminous, multi-layered mandala art process. I will always remember you. And at this time of year, when they say the 'veil is thinner' between the beyond and our physical-material world, I delight to see how connection with you has returned, I wouldn't even be surprised if it was the 13th hour, when the email connecting me directly back to your legacy again, arrived. May shining blessings surround your soul's journey. With deep love, Astri

Astri Wright

Friend

November 29, 2018

John: My condolences to you. I felt priviledged to have spent the time with Madeleine and to know what a wonderful spirit she is. I am comforted to know that she has chosen where she wants to be on her next journey. I thought of her many times since we had not seen each other and I missed visiting with her. I wish you well. Please feel free to call me if you need any help.

Berte Marr

December 2, 2005

Madeleine was a great mentor to me when I bacame Executive Director of the Toronto Catholic Information center in 1962.At that time she was already working at the Saskatoon Catholic Information Center and gave me vital support and encouragement in taking up my new position in Toronto.

We kept in touch over the years and in the 1960's she wrote a regular column in our Toronto center publication the Ambassador. In October 1963 she reported on her work at the Calgary Catholic Information center by saying " Howdy Pardner! They say it is most imortant when settling in a new environment to learn the language of the natives. I am even the proud possessor of a cowboy hat".

That was Madeleine,a sense of humor, and totally commited to adapting to a new situation and giving of herself to others.

Thomas Campbell, a great Scottish poet once said " to live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die". This ultimately was Madeleine's greatest gift, the gift of her friendship and love and service to others. In that sense she lives on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Paul Harris

December 1, 2005

Dear Uncle John,

We were so very sorry to hear of Aunt Madeleine’s passing. We had the pleasure and privilege of many visits over the years and were always welcomed with open, loving arms. Aunt Madeleine was such a unique, interesting and special woman… always so encouraging. I remember visiting with my family during the Christmas holidays many years ago. At the time, I was an awkward, gawky teenager. At one point during the visit, Aunt Madeleine told me that I was extremely graceful, like a ballerina! She always knew the right thing to say to instill confidence. Even to this day her comment makes me hold my head just a little bit higher. Like a ballerina!

Kirk and I have such fond memories of Aunt Madeleine that we will cherish forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Uncle John during this difficult time.

Love,

Nicole & Kirk

Nicole Longo & Kirk Dixon

December 1, 2005

I remember many wonderful times in Madeleine's studio, painting, talking and later sitting at her table having tea. I learned so much from her as she guided me through a deep soul searching quest. I will never forget the time we spent together. I know that she was blessed to have John in her life and my thoughts are with him. I know that gentle loving-kindness abided with her to the end. Many blessings to you. Love Susan

susan breiddal

November 24, 2005

Madeleine helped me to get my feet back on the ground and to collect the scattered pieces of my life during a very difficult time. She was wise, straightforward and compassionate and provided a much needed place to rejuvenate and rejoice at the Single Parent's Resource Centre in Victoria. Later on I enjoyed our sporadic and spontaneous encounters around town, and will remember her with great fondness.

Charlene Simon

November 24, 2005

We were so sorry to hear of Madeleine's passing. We will always remember your dear wife with much pleasure. She was such a lady, and always made us feel so very welcomed each time we saw her at conventions over the years. We send our heartfelt condolences.

Greg and Anne Blanchard

November 24, 2005

Madaline was an amazing woman, friend, mentor. She taught me in her Life Skills course in 1977 when I first came to Victoria as a single mom and we became friends. I went on to participate in her initial work for the Single Parent Resource Center and was also later a Mandala student of hers. In those early years, I always felt that Madaline was an observer and mentor to my life changes. She was wise, compassionate and full of life. She loved John and her family very much and I know that this must have made her illness and passing so much richer for her. My thoughts are with John and her family. Her spirit will burn bright for a long time to come.

Luba Lyons

November 23, 2005

Dear Uncle John,



Sorry to hear of Aunt Madeleine's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have fond memories of her that we will always cherish.

Tim & Norma Pollock

November 21, 2005

Dear John:

It is with sadness and fond memories that we look back on the many dinners, visits and discussions shared over the years.

These memories we have as you have our love and support in this time of loss. Love Sam @ Liz.

Sam @ Liz Pollock

November 21, 2005

Dear Uncle John, Ray and I were very sorry to hear of Aunt Madeleine's passing. She was a very special woman!

Anita Millar

November 19, 2005

Madeleine was a very important mentor & friend. I have been wonderfully enriched by the soul-tending work of the mandala, and in a friendship beyond. Our shared time was rich and real and always included a whole lot of belly laughter! I am acutely aware of the fact that Madeleine gave so many hours of her life in service to others and I want to say that I know that the alchemy experienced with Madeleine will serve me throughout the rest of my life. John, I so appreciate your loving support of Madeleine which made so much possible, and blessed us all. Thank you for everything. Peace, Jane



* I did post a picture in the photo gallery- a favourite shot that I know Madeleine liked too.

Jane Johnston

November 19, 2005

November 19, 2005

John: I have very fond memories of our supper together the evening before Mary and I were married, and, of Madeleine's bearing witness to our marriage celebration the next day. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I'm sorry I cannot be in Victoria for the memorial service, but Mary will be flying out. Love, Bill

william robertson

November 19, 2005

John you had an incrediable sister I guess it runs in your family. I think keeping millions of Canadians including us, safe in the air counts.

We were very sorry to hear about Madeleine. Our prayers are with you, Joanne and the rest of your family. Have a safe trip west.

Sue and Dan Lee

November 19, 2005

We were very sorry to hear of your loss. Your sister certainly sounds like she had a wonderful life. I was very amazed to see that she made a career change later in life. She must of cared very much for others & I'm sure will be missed by many.

Our sympathies to John, Joanne & family.

John & Judy Swarbrick

November 19, 2005

Dear John and Joanne, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. What an incrediable lady.



Love Teresa and Gavin

Teresa & Gavin Dellar- Fernandes

November 18, 2005

Madeleine was my aunt and also a fellow artist.She was always interested in what I was up to artistically. This was one of our strongest bonds...she also cared for me when I was very young and staying with my Grandmother...which I believe gave us both good memories. We also shared the same birthday May the 8th, and for this reason there was a special kinship.I will miss her comradeship and inspiration...Nephew, Sam Longp

Samuel Longo

November 18, 2005

Uncle John - very sad to hear about Aunty Madelaine's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you

Maryanne Hawkins

November 18, 2005

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