Norma Shields

Norma Jean Shields, age 92, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2020. Norma was born to James McLarty and Sara (Bosier) McLarty on February 29,1928 in Kalamazoo, MI. Once she met and married Richard F Shields, the focus was on having a family and family was a priority that never changed. In the early seventies, Norma decided to begin working and found her fit the Kalamazoo Public Schools. She began in the Payroll Department and ultimately retired from the Human Resources Department at KPS. Norma was preceded in death by Richard in 2010. She is survived by her four children, James P Shields of Delton, David (Cathy) Shields of Kalamazoo, Nanette Shields Davis (Scott) of Kalamazoo and Sara Shields (Steven Curl) of Plainwell. Norma leaves behind a granddaughter, Lindsey (Alex) Shields of Farmington Hills, MI and two great-grandchildren she adored, Charlotte and Felix. She shared a special bond with her nieces and nephews including Linda Armstrong, of Crowley, TX, Nancy Grabovac (Dan) of Bangor, MI, Jill Kempski (Scott) of Bangor, MI, Michael Trau (Janet) of Bellevue, WA, and Thomas Trau of Burley, ID. In the last year, she particularly enjoyed seeing her great-niece Amanda Trau Thompson (David) becoming a mother and so enjoyed the frequent pictures of the twins, Gus and Max. Also holding a special place in Norma's heart were Heather Halbrooks Clark, her daughter Brooke Ely and family friend, Sally (Tim) Doonan. Per her wishes, no service will be held and a private family memorial will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Ministry With Community, Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries or the Kalamazoo Humane Society. Burial arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Norma Shields, please visit our flower store.