Betty Ann Shields, age 84, of Cold Spring, New York, died peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, with her family by her side.
Born in Cold Spring on Sept. 25, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Margaret and William McKenna. She is survived by her husband of 61 years and two-time prom date, Patrick Shields, as well as her brother, Richard McKenna of Putnam Valley, and her sister, Margaret Schatzle of Cold Spring. Her sons Patrick (Erin), Jonathan (Guen) and Christopher (Megan) Shields of Cold Spring, 10 nieces and nephews, and seven grandchildren, Brittany, Katie, Julie, Patrick, Ellie, Audrey, and Tucker, also survive her.
Three brothers William McKenna, Jr. of Thornwood, New York, Donald McKenna of Rotonda, Florida, and Kenneth McKenna of Newburgh, New York, predeceased her.
Betty Ann graduated from Haldane High School in 1959, having grown up and raised her family just a few doors down from the school. In addition to corralling her three sons, she spent many years caring for young children in Cold Spring, but saved her best toys, muffins, and hugs for her grandchildren.
She loved Cold Spring and retelling its many stories. She spent lots of days taking her grandchildren to the tot lot and the river, but never without her red lipstick. Every baby and puppy she met was quickly scooped into her arms, and she never turned down a full cup of tea or a trip to Marshall’s.
Betty Ann and Packy enjoyed a lifetime of vacations and parties with family and close friends, including cruises, camping, and international trips with the Kiefers and the Dillons. She was the last to leave any party, especially Fourth of July at Toni and Joe DeMarco’s. Betty Ann and Packy’s greatest days were spent holding hands on the couch with a good movie.
Friends may call on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Clinton Funeral Home, 21 Parrott St., Cold Spring. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Loretto Church, 24 Fair St., Cold Spring. Interment will follow in Cold Spring Cemetery.
One of Betty Ann’s greatest joys was cheering on Haldane’s Lady Blue Devils basketball team. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Haldane Blue Devil Booster Club, 15 Craigside Drive, Cold Spring, NY 10516 (haldaneschool.org).
