Ellen Shields-Gauthier

Ellen Shields-Gauthier, 65, of Plainville, passed away on August 25, after a short and courageous battle with lung cancer. She was the beloved wife of Gilbert Gauthier for 37 years, who predeceased her 7 years ago. Ellen was born in Manhattan, NY, on April 15, 1951, to the late Rita and William Shields, and grew up in Staten Island, NY, until finishing high school at St. Joseph's by the Sea. Afterwards, she moved to Connecticut to work at Aetna as a clerk and buyer. Ellen was an avid gardener of her home, a huge animal lover, and locally famous as the woman who had the magnet on her car "Do not litter in Plainville." She cared immensely about her community, planting flowers annually along Cooke Street and making sure it was always clean of debris and garbage. She also continued to visit the residents at Amberwoods nursing home weekly after her mother had passed away there 18 months ago. Most of all, Ellen loved being surrounded by her family and loved ones, who brought out the best in her. She leaves behind her twin sister, Eileen Shields- Pudleiner and Eileen's husband, Robert; her niece, Melissa DeBarbieri; her nephew, Ryan Pudleiner; two great-nieces, Skylar and Gabrielle; a step-son, Roland; and four step-grandchildren: Tyler, Garrett, Taylor, and Peyton. Funeral arrangements are private with no calling hours. Arrangements are in the care of Bailey Funeral Home. Those who wish may donate to the American Cancer Society in the name of Ellen Shields-Gauthier, either online or sent directly to PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, or also the Plainville Community Food Pantry, 54 South Canal St., Plainville, CT 06062. For additional information or to leave words of condolence please visit www.bailey-funeralhome.com.