Mary Jo Shields

Mary Jo Shields, 77, of Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, passed away on November 9, 2025. Born on August 28, 1948, in Des Moines, Iowa, to LeVern and Norma (Johns) Hoxeng, she was the beloved wife of John Joseph Shields Jr. for 56 years.

Mary Jo graduated from nursing school on September 12, 1969, and just eight days later married the love of her life, John. She first fell for him while watching him play tennis in Des Moines-a love story that would last a lifetime. Together they settled in Pennsylvania, raised their family, and later divided their time between Coopersburg and their cherished cabin in Wellsboro.

While working full time in nursing, Mary Jo returned to school to earn her Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management from Allentown College in 1991, followed by a Master of Business Administration from Moravian College in 1994. She began her career as a nurse and advanced steadily through leadership roles, from Office Manager to Administrator for Lehigh Valley Cardiologists.

Mary Jo was especially proud of her 17 years with Prime Health Network, where she served as Executive Director until her retirement. She was known for her strong leadership, fairness, and unwavering ethics, and she inspired many colleagues throughout her career.

Outside of work, Mary Jo had a wide range of interests-from painting and sewing to her lifelong love of reading. She was an active volunteer with the Friends of the Southern Lehigh Public Library, where she remained deeply involved until her passing. Mary Jo loved making her famous Magic Cookies for the annual holiday fundraiser. She also served on the Board of Directors for Lehigh Valley Active Life.

Family was always Mary Jo's greatest joy. Whether driving her daughter to competitions or encouraging her son's career pursuits, she found her deepest fulfillment in supporting her loved ones. Her favorite role was that of Grandmother to her three grandsons, who brought her endless delight. She loved hearing about their adventures and was proud of each of them beyond measure.

In addition to her parents, Mary Jo was preceded in death by her sisters Nancy Winders and Suzanne Fineout. She is survived by her husband, John Joseph Shields Jr.; her children John Patrick Shields (Diana) and Laura Marie Shields Dove; her grandchildren Noah Shields, John Paul Shields, and AJ Dove; her siblings John Hoxeng (LuAnn), Elizabeth Hall, Judy Roberts (Terry), Jane Hawley, and Robert Hoxeng (Becky); as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in the new year for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary Jo's memory to the Friends of the Southern Lehigh Public Library.

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