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Elizabeth "Betty" Easterday Shields (nee Murphy) of Gladwyne, PA passed away after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, with her sons at her side on November 9th, 2015; just minutes from the date of her husband, Russell’s passing 3 years before. Born at home on December 22nd, 1923 and raised in the West Manayunk section of Belmont Hills, Betty was the middle daughter of John Michael “Jack” Murphy and Elizabeth (Flowers) Murphy. Her father’s death in 1928, followed in short order by her mother’s chronic illness and the onset of the Great Depression caused Betty and her family to endure hardships few people would imagine today. Lack of indoor plumbing, water freezing in a glass overnight from lack of heat, and swimming through the living room of their flooded River Road home are some of the stories Betty shared from her childhood. But never were they told with so much as a hint of self pity. Betty would reminisce, fondly recalling these and other times of her life “back home”, with nostalgia. She always ended such remembrances by saying “we didn’t have much, but we had each other, and that was enough.” This was a reference to her sisters; Bert and Aggie, with whom she remained close throughout their lives. She always credited the love they had for each other as the source of strength that saved them all, and Betty missed them terribly after they died. Betty always worked her way up in employment at a time when women weren’t expected to do so. It took her from Barker & Williamson on Mill Creek, to Household Finance in Upper Darby where she was very proud to be the first female Training Supervisor in the company’s history. Along the way, she married, bought a house in Havertown, and left the workforce to raise two sons. Betty resumed employment as bookkeeper and secretary with LL Wilson & Company when the family moved to their home in Gladwyne. There were two things Betty wanted most to accomplish in her life. First and foremost was to secure a college education for her children. The second was to travel. She accomplished the first through hard work, sheer force of will, and more than a few threats. The second was also accomplished through hard work at her place of last employment; Gladwyne Travel. Betty made it to Alaska, Ireland, Scotland, Greece, Peru, and many more places in the U.S. and abroad. Betty devoted years of her life to St Christopher’s Church in Gladwyne, singing in the choir, cooking, and volunteering on Azalea Day. She was a gifted painter and poet. Creative, thoughtful, and self taught. She is remembered as a loving mother and grandmother, devoted wife, loyal friend, and helpful neighbor. Capable, compassionate, intelligent, with a work ethic unheard of today. It is truly the end of an era for those who knew her. If you knew Betty Shields, you know the face of The Greatest Generation. If you loved her, the void left by her passing can never be filled, nor should it be. That would be expecting too much of anyone. … Not too bad for a little girl born between the river and the railroad tracks. Preceded in death by her husband; Russell. Sisters Alberta Whittingham and Agnes O’Shell. Betty is survived by sons Lawrence (Amy) of Lancaster PA, and Ronald (Patricia) of King Of Prussia PA. Grandchildren Scott and Molly of Lancaster, Daniel and Megan of King Of Prussia, and niece; Bonita Dalahan-Sandlof (John) of Belmont Hills PA. Also nephews Christian O’Shell (Sheila) of Vero Beach FL, Chet O’Shell, and Paul O’Shell. Many thanks to the caring staff at Homestead Village; Gelhard and Fickes House. Her Funeral Service will be held on Mon. Nov. 16th. at 11 AM in the Chadwick & McKinney Funeral Home, 30 E. Athens Ave. Ardmore, PA, where you may call after 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in St. Christopher's Churchyard. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to National Camps for Blind Children (http://www.blindcamps.org)

Tributes

Elizabeth "Betty" M. Shields

December 22, 1923 - November 9, 2015