Carol H. Shields (nee' Hughes), age 82, of Palmyra, NJ passed peacefully on February 18, 2025.

Carol was born in Woodbury, NJ in 1942 to Myrtle (nee' Hooper) and Stanley Hughes. She grew up on the Hughes family farm in Elmer, NJ and graduated from Glassboro State College (Rowan University).  She continued her education at Temple University.  This is where she met the love of her life, Donald J. Shields.

After Carol and Don married, they moved to Palmyra, NJ, where she started her teaching career with the Palmyra School District. Carol spent her entire 33-year career with Palmyra Schools in early education, settling into her 2nd grade class.  Over the years she also served her community as a member of the local Board of Health and also served on the Palmyra Board of Education.

Carol was an avid reader & instilled her love of reading into her children, grandchildren, and the children she taught throughout the years.  She enjoyed her vacations to Florida, and her regular lunch and dinner gatherings with her many friends and fellow retired teachers. She also enjoyed watching her "stories" every day and Jeopardy & Wheel of Fortune every evening. Carol had a kind and generous heart and gave her time and resources freely to her friends, neighbors, and community.  Carol was especially devoted to her family.

Predeceased by her parents, Myrtle and Stanley Hughes, her loving husband, Donald J. Shields, and her beloved granddaughter Taryn Ellane Shields, Carol is survived by her children, Ellen Murphy and husband Kevin, Donald J. Shields, Jr. and his wife Janet, and David C. Shields and his wife Dana, as well as by her grandchildren, Kevin, Kerry, Megan, Kristen, Mark, Avalon, Logan, Rylan and Emerson and five great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her siblings, Constance Dilks and her husband Robert, and Charles Hughes and his wife Lisa.  Many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.  She is also survived by her chosen family: her daughter, Kathleen Dieal, and granddaughter, Karielle.

Family and friends are invited to gather together on Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by her Celebration of Life service at 12:30 PM, all at the WEBER FUNERAL HOME, 112 Broad Street, Riverton, NJ 08077. Private graveside services at Olivet Cemetery, Pittsgrove, NJ, will be held prior.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory to support the Palmyra School District would be Carol's wish and preferred by the family.  Donations can be made to:   Board of Education/Charles Street School 311 W. 5th Street, Palmyra NJ 08065. Condolences may be shared with her family at www.weberfuneralhomeinc.com