Joyce E. Shields

Joyce E. (Saulnier) Shields of Gloucester, passed away peacefully on January 8th at Beverly Hospital with her family at her side. Born in Gloucester on July 9th, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Everett J. Saulnier and Cecelia G. "CeCe" (Flaherty) Saulnier Silva. She was the wife of the late William H. "Snook" Shields.
She was a member of the Gloucester High School class of 1951.She was employed as a certified nursing assistant at the former Oakwood Nursing & Retirement Home in Manchester by the Sea for thirty-four years, having retired in 2004. She loved her job, and especially her coworkers she referred to as the "Oakwood Girls" with whom she had lifelong friendships and many lunches, and adventures with for decades including completing the 20 mile "Walk for Hunger" in Boston eight times. Joyce enjoyed bowling, knitting, and spending countless hours collecting seaglass at the beach with her grandchildren Michael and Thomas in Gloucester; made the best apple pie, and was passionate about playing cribbage; hosting a weekly cribbage game with her dear friends at Central Grammar apartments.
She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and sister. Above all, her greatest joy was derived from spending time with her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Debra and Kenneth Munroe Sr.; and Cheryl and Thomas Vaiarella Sr.; six grandchildren, Nicole, wife of Steven Fountain; Kenneth Munroe, Jr.; Natalie Munroe and her companion Brian Prior; Colson Munroe; Michael Vaiarella and his wife Caroline (Carly) Hoyer Vaiarella; Thomas Vaiarella, Jr. and his fiancée Olivia Saraf; nine great-grandchildren, Haleigh, Adam, and Dennis Guzofski Jr., Emma and Maximillian Munroe; Jaxon and Nina Prior, Dylan and Connor Fountain, one great- great -grandson Grayson Kincaid; one sister, Mary Rose; one brother, Everett Saulnier; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her dearest closest friend and sister Catherine Oliver; sister-in-law Virginia Saulnier; brother-in-law Thomas Rose; and great-granddaughter Kiersten Fountain. She was also predeceased by a nephew, David P. "Sully" Sullivan, who was lost at sea aboard the F/V Andrea Gail.
The family would like to extend thanks and appreciation to all her friends and the staff at Central Grammar who supported Joyce these last few years and to her personal care assistant, Stephanie. Additionally, thanks and appreciation to the wonderful staff at Seacoast nursing and rehabilitation center, who helped Joyce feel she was at home these last many months.
In keeping with Joyce's wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements by the Campbell Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester. Condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com