Monterey — Catherine Shields Mielke, born Sept. 29, 1925, died Nov. 25, 2014. She was 89 years old. Catherine passed away at Fairview Commons after succumbing to Alzheimer’s Disease. Catherine was born in Boston to William C. and Catherine L. Shields. She moved to Monterey in 1952 with her husband Bill (William E. Mielke, Sr.) where they made their home for over 40 years.
Catherine was very active in Monterey politics on a state and local level supporting the Democratic Committee. She was also a fierce supporter of protecting the wetlands of Monterey and served on the Conservation Commission as the chairperson. In addition, Catherine was involved in the 4-H and Boys and Girl Scouts.
Once Catherine’s six children were in school she returned to college and earned her Masters Degree in Education through UMass. She worked many years at the Berkshire Hills Regional School system in Great Barrington before retiring to Beverly Hills, Florida where she made her home until she returned to Monterey due to ill health.
Catherine took great pride in her Irish heritage and was able to travel to Ireland to see her family’s homeland that she loved so much.
Catherine was pre-deceased by her husband of 54 years, William E. Mielke, her daughter Kathy Lynn Shaw and her brother William P. Shields.
She leaves sons William E. Mielke Jr. (Mike), Frederick C. (Rick) and his wife Deborah Mielke, daughter Patricia K. (Pat) and her husband James Fountain, her son Charles R. (Chuck) and his wife Debra Mielke, and her daughter Paula M. and her husband, Daniel Lewis. She also leaves 15 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
In keeping with Catherine’s wishes there will be no calling hours with a private burial at Corashire Cemetery in Monterey. BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME, 33 South St., Great Barrington MA 01230 is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.
