Patrice Marie Shields, 69, passed away at home surrounded by her children on January 25, 2025, in Kensington, Maryland. She was born September 14, 1955, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and lived a life filled with love and caring for others.

A graduate of Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids, Patrice pursued her Dental Assistant degree at Milwaukee Area Technical College and dedicated more than three decades of her career to dental care. Before starting a family, she lived in Hawaii and Los Angeles, later working as a travel consultant, exploring the world, including an African safari and trips to Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Patrice's sparkly, bubbly personality naturally drew people to her, and she had a gift for connecting with others. Whether with extended family, neighbors, patients, or colleagues, she formed meaningful relationships that stood the test of time.

Patrice was an active member of every community she called home. She was a dedicated member of P.E.O., brought joy and education to children as a Kids on the Block puppeteer, and served as Crew Chief for her husband's hot air balloon, Spreadin-the-N3wz.

In 1980, Patrice married the love of her life, Randall Daye Shields, and together they built a life filled with adventure through music festivals, traveling the country in their RV with their dog, Bette, and always prioritizing family and friends. Over the years, they made homes in Terre Haute, Indiana; Lombard, Illinois; Mitchell, South Dakota; Sedalia, Missouri; Greenfield, Indiana; and Bethesda, Maryland.

Randall preceded her in death in 2019, as did her father, Robert Polack, in 2018. Patrice is survived by her children, Alexis Daye Shields (Shannon Weeks), Zachary Nischan Shields (Callie), and Jocelyn Marie Bailey (Phillip). She was a proud and devoted "Grammie" to her grandchildren: Anderson Daye and Ruby Marie (Jocelyn & Phil), and Lennon Daye and Delilah Hayes (Zach & Callie). She is remembered by her mother, Marjorie Polack; her siblings, Craig (Susan) Polack, Terrance (Linda) Polack, Lynn (Mark) Rudig, and Jocelyn (Gregory) Martinek; as well as her many nieces and nephews who will carry her memory forward.

Patrice treasured her lifelong friendships, especially her beloved Michigan friends who became like family. She loved family vacations, with Disney World holding a special place in her heart. In October 2024, her dream came true when she experienced the magic of Disney with all her grandchildren.

Patrice's greatest wish was to be remembered for both loving deeply and being deeply loved. She was known for always putting others' needs before her own and had a knack for making sure her loved ones were happy and comfortable. Her grandchildren, affectionately known as her "little sunshines," were her world, and she filled their lives with endless love and encouragement. She promised to send them signs—through the brightest star in the sky, monarch butterflies, and hummingbirds—to remind them she is always with them.

A celebration of Patrice's life will be held on September 13, 2025, in Hart, Michigan. Details will be shared on her Ever Loved memorial page. To honor Patrice's memory, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, an organization she regularly supported.

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