ROCKLAND — Gloria J. Shields, 93, died unexpectedly Aug. 26, 2016, with her family at her side, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

Born in Renovo, Pa., on July 13, 1923, she was the daughter of Harry R. and Grace A.E. Rentz Whitmire.

After high school, Gloria attended a secretarial school in Williamsport, Pa., and for several years worked as a secretary to an x-ray physician, assisting in the performance of x-rays.

She married Harold Shields in 1946, with whom she raised four children. They lived in Kansas, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Maine during their 70 years of marriage.

Gloria and Harold moved to Rockland in 2002 to be near their children.

She was a member of Nativity Lutheran Church in Rockport.

In addition to her parents, Gloria was predeceased by a sister, Gladys. She is survived by her loving husband, Harold; her sons, Stacey Shields of Rockland, Kevin and Rebecca Shields of Rockport, and Curtis and Patti Shields of Rockland; her daughter, Ellen and Thom Wilch of Washington, D.C.; her grandchildren, Ben Shields, Hannah Shields, Joe Wilch, Miriam Wilch, Ryan Shields and Chris Shields; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A gathering of friends and family members was held Aug. 28 at Nativity Lutheran Church, 179 Old County Road in Rockport. Private interment will be in Achorn Cemetery on Old County Road in Rockland.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.