Christine Ruth Shields

Christine Ruth (Koester) Shields, of North Andover, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026, at the age of 89. She was born in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 12, 1936, to the late Ethel (Paul) Koester and Herman Koester. She was the last of their six children, and was raised in Lexington, Massachusetts, where she graduated from the Lexington High School.

Christine married the late Paul W. Shields on October 16, 1956, in Arlington, Massachusetts. After a brief time of living in Bedford, Massachusetts, they moved to Westford, Massachusetts, where they raised their four children. Christine and Paul also lived for a period of time in Marshfield, Massachusetts, and in Seminole, Florida. After her husband’s death, Christine returned to Massachusetts from Florida where she lived for a short time in North Andover and then in Salem, Massachusetts, for a combined 30+ years, and eventually back to North Andover as her final home.

Christine was a devoted full-time mother and homemaker who actively supported her children’s education through school volunteering, chaperoning, and community involvement. Additionally, she assisted with the Girl Scouts as well as with the Boy Scouts. In her later years she enjoyed antiquing, and travel to multiple countries, as well as to Cape Cod and Maine. She was a lifelong reader, often visiting the library, and a participant at her local senior center.

Many happy vacations were spent with the family at Higgins Beach in Scarborough, Maine, where the late Helen and William Shields, parents of Paul W. Shields and grandparents to the four children, owned a seacoast home. Christine held onto a lifelong love of the State of Maine.

Beloved wife of the late Paul W. Shields. Predeceased by two sons, Jeffrey W. Shields and Paul D. Shields. Loving mother of Debra Graf and her husband John of Atkinson, New Hampshire, and John “Jack” Shields of Chelsea, Massachusetts. Sister of the late Kenneth, Richard, Willard, Marjorie, and Virginia. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, especially her niece Cynthia with whom she had a special relationship in recent years.

The family wishes to thank the Andover EMS, the Lawrence Hospital Emergency Center staff, and the Boston Medical Center Surgical ICU medical team and support staff for their outstanding professionalism, excellence, caring, and compassion. And the family also thanks the Badger Funeral Home for their kindness and calm presence throughout this period.

Burial will be private.

In memory of Christine, those wishing to do so may donate to either Merrimack Health Lawrence Hospital, online at mhlawrencehospital.org, by mail to Merrimack Health Charitable Trust, 1 General St., Lawrence MA 01941 and noting the individual’s name; or the Surgical ICU at the Boston Medical Center. Donations there may be made at bmc.org/giving or by mail to Boston Medical Center - Office of Development, 960 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor Boston, MA 02118. For checks, please include the individual’s name in the memo line.

Arrangements under the care of the Badger Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 347 King St., Littleton, MA 01460, www.badgerfuneral.com.