Archief 0627 - Clarence & Nora Shields Family fonds

Clarence W. Shields was born February 19, 1904 in Okotoks, Alberta to parents John Andrew and Elizabeth (Bourque) Shields. He grew up on the family farm making his way to Grande Prairie, Alberta when he was twenty-four years old.

Marie Albertine Nora Dionne was born January 8, 1907 in Pincher Creek, Alberta to parents Baptiste and Edith (Cyr) Dionne. Nora graduated from nursing school in Edmonton, and started working in Grande Prairie at the Kathryn Prittie Hospital in 1928.
Clarence and Nora were married in 1929 and settled back in Grande Prairie. Nora continued to work as a nurse and Clarence worked as a sales broker. Their children John Wendele (Jack), Elizabeth Helen (Betty), William Clarence (Bill) and Thomas Dionne (Tom) grew up in Grande Prairie. Clarence passed away in 1956 at the age of 48 years.

Nora spent many years involved in nursing in Grande Prairie starting with the Kathryn Prittie Hospital. Nora was an office nurse for Doctor Carlyle and in 1954 she returned full-time to working at the hospital. She was named assistant matron with the Grande Prairie City Hospital and later promoted to Matron. Nora’s also excelled at singing winning awards for her solo performances in local music festivals. Nora was also involved with organization such as the Catholic Women’s League, Alberta Registered Nurses Association and the United Commercial Travelers auxiliary. Nora passed away in 1966 at the age of 59 years.
Clarence and Nora’s oldest son Jack Shields, became involved in the military after WWII as a member of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, 1st Battalion. With the outbreak of the Korean War Jack joined the 2nd Battalion and did some training in the United States. Jack travelled to Korea aboard the ship Pte. Joe P. Matinez in 1950 and later fought in the battle at Kap’yong. Jack served for 18 months in Korea and attained the rank of Sergeant. Once home he was promoted to Warrant Officer and before retiring from the army. Jack went on to become Assistant Superintendent of School for Northern Alberta and became MP for Athabaska region. Jack was married to his wife Pat and had three sons. Jack died in 2004 and is buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Clarence and Nora’s youngest son Tom Shields was a student at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Grande Prairie, and continued his education in Edmonton becoming a teacher. Tom’s first job was in Banff, and after some years he came back to Grande Prairie in the position of Administration Consultant and then Director in the Regional Office, Department of Education. Tom also was very involved in real estate, building two successful brokerages. Tom served on many real estate boards as well, he was the founding member of the Real Estate Council of Alberta, the Grande Prairie Real Estate Board as well as the Alberta and Canadian Real Estate Association. Tom was also involved in the Grande Prairie Kinsmen, the board of Governors for the Grande Prairie Regional College, Stompede board, The Grande Prairie Public School Board, as well as many other boards and organizations in Alberta. Tom was married to Jan Shields and they had three sons. Tom passed away in 2010 and is buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.