Kathy Shields

On Saturday, Sept. 26, Kathy Shields passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. A beautiful, sweet and caring mother of two, Kathy will forever be missed and remembered by her family, friends and students.

A teacher by nature and profession, Kathy dedicated her life to educating those around her. She taught more than a thousand children during her 39 years as a second-grade teacher at Grant Elementary. Many of her students who became parents were delighted to see their own children experience Mrs. Shields' inspiration and love of learning. She truly loved seeing former students and remembered their names and faces decades later, taking immense pride in their successes and progress.

Kathy served as a friend, protector, confidante, role model, cheerleader, mentor and inspiration for her daughters, Amy Berkland and Abby Shields. They will forever be her greatest legacy.

Kathy possessed a rare quality to make everyone she met feel special, loved and important. Selfless to her very last day, Kathy thought of everyone else first, and herself last. She never stopped looking for the magic and wonder in life. She believed a person is defined by the positive impact they have on others, and strived with every breath to instill that belief in those around her.

Born in Austin, Minn., on April 23, 1952, Kathryn LaVonne Register Shields was raised in Nebraska and spent the majority of her life in Fremont. Kathy earned a bachelor's degree from Midland Lutheran College and a master's degree from Wayne State College. She is survived by a family that will carry on her memory: parents, John L. and Norma L. Register; siblings, Ruth A. Register, Allen L. Register (Neil Gelineau), Susan L. Register, Leann R. (Norbert) Widhalm, Richard B. Register (Janet Stewart), and Kelly J. (Fred) Gepford; sister-in-law, Georgia (Edwin) Dangel; daughters, with former spouse Ronald E. Shields, Amy L. (Nathan) Berkland and Abby L. Shields; grandchildren, Colton and Eva Berkland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Kathy will be forever in our heart, forever on our mind and forever a part of our soul.

A celebration of life will be 5-7 p.m. on Friday at Gallery 92 Fremont Art Association at 92 W. Sixth St. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at The Presbyterian Church at 520 W. Linden Ave.