Jane Gordon Shields

Jane Gordon Shields passed away peacefully on Monday, February 17, 2025, after enjoying good health for her 90+ years. Jane was born Jane Gordon on April 2, 1934, in Montreal, Canada to John and Mary Gordon. Jane was predeceased by her younger sister, Suzy. After Jane was born in Montreal, her family moved to the town of Knowlton, just outside of Montreal, for her upbringing. During her childhood, Jane enjoyed many afternoons playing on the golf course nearby. Jane went to the Bishop School, graduating early at the age of 16. A few years after high school, Jane and her sister Suzy ventured to Nassau for a temporary work assignment, where Jane met the love of her life on a blind date in 1953. Bill knew on their first date that Jane was “the one” as he wrote his college roommate that same night to share the news. After meeting Bill and falling in love, Jane and her sister Suzy then ventured to New York City, living there for a year at the Barbizon School for Women and being close by to Bill who was finishing college at Rutgers University. Jane and Bill got married at St Patrick’s Cathedral on May 4, 1954, in New York City. As newlyweds they lived in Quantico, Va at the Marine Base where their first child, Diane Shields (Laabs) was born; son, Bill Shields III was born two years later in Camp Lejeune, N.C. They moved to Bethesda, Maryland in the late 1950s when they welcomed their third child, Cathy Shields. In 1967 they moved to the Eastern Shore, living for a year on the family farm, Chancellor’s Point, while building their home on Bailey’s Neck where they lived for 20 years and raised their three children. Jane was an active tennis player and ambassador of the game; she volunteered for many hours at the Easton YMCA. As empty nesters Jane and Bill enjoyed adventures together sailing both on the Chesapeake Bay and in the Virgin Islands. Their biggest adventure though was in 1991. Upon Bill’s retirement, they decided to move out West to Bozeman, Montana. During their 28 years in Bozeman, they made many new friends and enjoyed the “great outdoors”. Bill enjoyed skiing, trout fishing and horseback riding while Jane’s interests included the book club, the Red Hat Society and spending cherished time with her friends. During the winter months, they would RV to Arizona. Jane was not only a wonderful mother to her children, helping them with their homework, making lunches and cheering at sporting events, but also a parent to many four-legged friends. The family dogs over the years included labs, retrievers, poodles, dachshunds, and German short haired pointers. There was always a dog or two underfoot. Jane enjoyed a successful career selling real estate on the Eastern Shore. She loved interacting with her clients while helping them discover their new homes. She will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and her down-to-earth nature. Jane is survived by her husband Bill, her daughter, Diane Laabs (husband Doug), grandson, Scott Laabs (wife Jamie), great granddaughter, Kinley Laabs and great grandson, Rylan Laabs, her son, Bill Shields (wife Elizabeth), daughter, Cathy Shields (wife Olya). Jane will be missed greatly and those who knew her will remember her fondly. The family will gather privately to celebrate Jane’s life.

Jane Gordon Shields

April 2, 1934 - February 17, 2025