MARY JOSEPHINE TROEGER SHIELDS

1932 - 2017

Mary Josephine Troeger Shields, 85, passed away peacefully December 19, 2017. Born to Virginia Ruff Troeger and Roy Clinton Troeger on July 27, 1932, in Los Angeles, California, Mary Jo, who always used the name Jo, spent her formative years in Los Angeles. As a graduate of Marymount Catholic High School in Los Angeles, Jo set her goals high, and in 1954 achieved one of the first Pharmacology Degrees ever received by a woman at the University of Arizona. While studying in Arizona, Mary Jo met Clyde Shields, with whom she spent the remainder of her life. After marrying on January 23, 1954, Jo and Clyde settled in Brawley, raising four children. As well as being a loving wife and mother, Jo found time to volunteer as a Girl Scout Leader, 4-H leader, horse show supporter, School Board Member at Sacred Heart School, as well as many civic activities in Brawley. She practiced as a pharmacist for many years at Adams Drugs and supported Clyde in running Clyde Shields Entomological Service from its inception in 1969. Later in life, Jo served the City of Brawley on the City Council for a number of terms and twice as Mayor. Mary Jo was committed to serving her community and served Brawley through participation in Soroptomist Club, Pioneers Memorial Hospital Womens Auxiliary, and a number of service clubs and organizations. Mary Jo, a devout Catholic throughout her life, was a consistent supporter of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and School. She is survived by her husband, Clyde Shields; her four children, Susan Edwards, Linda (William) Marden, Jon (Tina) Shields and Todd (Sunny) Shields; 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 from 6 to 8 p.m. with rosary at 7 p.m. at Frye Chapel and Mortuary in Brawley, CA. Mass will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Ed Horning officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Riverview Cemetery in Brawley, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Sacred Heart School in memory of Jo Shields.