Maureen Elizabeth Shields

Maureen Elizabeth Shields of Falls Church, Virginia peacefully passed away at her home in Williamsburg, VA on October 29, 2022. She was born on August 4, 1979, in Suffern, New York. Maureen’s independent, fiery spirit, infectious laugh and kind heart touched all that knew her.

Maureen was a resident of Merica House for the past 12 years. She was an active member at Specially Adapted Resource Club (SPARC) and she sang in the choir at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church. She always looked forward to going to her SPARC programs as it gave her a sense of independence and purpose. Maureen often advocated on issues such as transportation and spoke to governmental channels on behalf of adults with disabilities. Delegate Marcus Simon recently presented Maureen with the SPARC Volunteer of the Year award for her advocacy on behalf of her peers.

The AAC is the leadership group for SPARC. Members meet weekly to discuss policy issues. Over the past two years Maureen spoke before the Fairfax County Government’s Long Term Care Coordinating Council’s Social Engagement subcommittee on barriers to transportation. Maureen also was a featured speaker at our ribbon cutting for our fifth location at the Church of the Good Shepard. She addressed over 100 attendees who included members of the Board of Supervisors, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, families and friends.

Maureen was a gifted and talented artist among her many accomplishments, her work hangs in the Arlington Mill Community Center and is a powerful example of her intelligence, sensitivity and ability to convey her world to all. Maureen is a cherished and beloved member of the SPARC community and she will be deeply missed.

Maureen’s love of food probably started during her many trips to Costco with her mother as a younger child. She was the youngest of four and owned that role like the stereotypically baby of the family. She could be loud, boisterous, feisty all at the same time caring and just wanting to connect and be with the ones she loved. Maureen enjoyed bingo and trivia where her competitive spirit would shine through. She frequently attended National baseball games with her brother Andrew and sister Deirdre. She was an amazing friend, confidant, and roommate to her sister Deirdre. The two sisters held a special bond that words cannot explain.

Maureen is survived by her parents, Arthur and Kathleen Shields; sister, Jennifer Shields Mercer; brother-in-law, Mark Mercer; and nephew, Major Mercer; sister, Deirdre Shields; and brother, Andrew Shields; sister-in-law, April Shields; nephew, Wesley Shields; nieces, Kiera and Olivia Shields.

A Mass of Christian Burial will occur at 11:00AM on November 10, 2022, at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Arlington, Virginia. Private interment, will be on November 11, 2022 at Saint Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Donations may be made in Maureen’s name to Specially Adapted Resource Club (SPARC) at P.O. Box 2082 Reston, Virginia 20195 or to Merica House. Online condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.