Jeannette Carol Ware Shields, 90, of Erie, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at UPMC Hamot.
Jeannette was born in Titusville on November 20, 1934, to the late John W. and Helen Moore Ware. She married Gerald C. Shields in 1952. He preceded her in death on July 3, 1986.
She was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School.
Jeannette was a true matriarch. She was the definition of a homemaker and loved her family deeply. She often showed her love by turning an empty table into a smorgasbord if the word hungry was mentioned. She loved sitting on her back porch on a sunny day. She loved playing cards with family and friends (but only if you brought your wallet).
She had a quick wit and appreciated the humor in others. Making her laugh felt like scoring a goal. She enjoyed discussing politics with anyone who would listen, and if you disagreed with her, you of course would be wrong. We know she’s playing cards with her many siblings now and having the best time.
She will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her children, Gerald “Jerry” Shields and wife Kathy of Erie, Diane Horvath of Ohio, Daniel Shields and wife Layla of Minnesota, Jeffrey Shields and wife Julie of Erie, Anne Dechant and husband Ed of Wisconsin, James Shields and wife Paula of Ohio, and David Shields of Ohio; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
Jeannette was preceded in death by her siblings, Paul L. Voisin, Merle F. Voisin, John W. Ware, Jr., Virginia Pinetti, Ruth Saxton, Marjorie Baker, Nora Ware, and Lillian Ruot.
Visitation will be held at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home Inc., 303 N. Washington St., Titusville, on Wednesday, October 29th, from 1 to 2 p.m., at which time a funeral service will be conducted.
A gathering will be held in Erie at the American Legion Post #773, 4109 W. 12th Street, Erie PA 16505 at 6:30 p.m.
Interment will be at Cheney Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children 1645 W 8th St, Erie, PA 16505 https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org
