Dorothy Shields, 1961-2019

Writing an obituary is possibly the hardest tasks a grieving family has to face. Because of this, sometimes it gets set aside and may eventually be ignored until it seems that it no longer matters — I mean the loved-one is gone and so what’s the point, right?

Well, the obituary isn’t for the lost loved-one, it’s for those of us left behind and we all deserved to be remembered in some way, big or small, with our family and friends. That’s why I often offer to help write obituaries as I have a God-given gift called writing and I feel I should use it to help others, not simply satisfy my ego.

On a more personal note, I only aided with Dorothy’s obituary, it was her sister, Marie who carried most of this burden. Thank you, Marie for letting me help you and your family.

Dorothy and I were jus’ reconnecting after having lost touch for nearly 38 years, so it’s very hard to learn that she is gone before we had a chance to share all of our memories as kids and our separate recollections as adults. Rest in peace, Dorothy, my dear friend. See you soon along the banks of Heaven’s great river…

Born November 1, 1961, on her father’s birthday in Crescent City, California to Beverly (Adamson) and John Van Dusen, Dorothy Lenore Shields passed away on April 25, 2019 at her home in New Castle, California. She worked as a waitress at Thunder Valley Cafe in Lincoln, California, where she was a good friend and constant support to her coworkers.

Dorothy was born with a mothering soul and taking care of people was her gift. Dorothy even took on the responsibility of caring for her siblings at the tender age of 13. She enjoyed painting, taking photographs, playing with her grandchildren and loved her family more than anything

She graduated from Del Norte High School in Crescent City in 1979 then joined the U.S. Army, serving as a Chaplains Assistant, while stationed in Germany. Following her discharge Dorothy returned home to Klamath, California, before eventually settling in New Castle with her husband.

Dorothy cared very deeply for others and was always there to listen and to provide a shoulder to cry on while giving great advice. Loving and compassionate, she was always giving so much of herself and did all she could to help others through the difficult times in their lives.

Preceded in death by her mother, Beverly, Dorothy is survived by her husband, John Shields; son’s, John and Jacob Gregory (Shara;) grandchildren, Auron, Rylan, Charleigh, Serenity, Zane, Hunter, Jocelyn and Jameson, her father John (Jeanette); sister’s Julie Bergren and Marie Reed (Robert); and brother, Robert Van Dusen; nieces and nephews, Cevin Bergren, Rhonda Bergren, Crystal Gasser, Terah Van Dusen, Beth Clark and Dallas Reed.