Adelin R. Shiels

Madison -- Adelin ""Addie"" Roth Shiels passed away on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at Segoe Gardens Assisted Living. She was 101 years of age.

A native Madisonian, Adelin was born on September 19, 1909 to Joseph and Adelheid (Heiss) Roth. She attended Holy Redeemer School, East High School, and the University of Wisconsin. She graduated from the UW School of Journalism in 1931. She attended the UW Law School for two years where she met her future husband. These were the Depression years and she was unable to complete her law degree. She worked for the Works Progress and Work Projects Administrations of the federal government in a journalistic capacity.

On September 11, 1937, she was married to John H. Shiels of Baraboo, Wisconsin. At his death in 1995 they had been married for 58 years.

Over the years she was an active participant in the PTA, Catholic Woman's Club, Legal Auxiliary of Dane County, Altar Society of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Queen's Guild of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Theta Phi Alpha sorority, and Olbrich Gardens Botanical Society.

During her active years Adelin enjoyed golf, bowling, and curling. Other interests were gardening and reading. She was an avid reader and instilled her love of reading in her children and grandchildren. The family cottage on Lake Kegonsa was a happy place for family gatherings. She absolutely loved riding on carrousels. Adelin and John traveled extensively. South America, China, and Egypt were favorites for long trips. Her children were remembered with gifts that were unusual and that represented the culture of those nations. Her top priority in life was her family with whom she had a close and loving relationship.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John in 1995; her sister, Ida Schulz in 1992; and her brother, Henry Roth in 1990.

She is survived by her three daughters, Patricia (Anthony) Ellerd of Palm Springs, CA, Susan (James) Little of Houston, TX, and Mary Beth (Dennis) Lubing of Madison, WI. She is further survived by her grandchildren, Lisa (James) Campbell of Calabasas, CA, Sara (Keith) Harding of Carlsbad, CA, Marc (Leanne) Little of Houston, TX, Jason (Taryn) Little of San Antonio, TX, and Jonathan (known as Toby) Little of Houston, TX. She is further survived by her great grandchildren, Julia and Jay Campbell, Jack and Sam Harding, and her namesake, baby Addie Little of Houston, TX.

A private family memorial will be held.

Memorials may be made to Apostolate to the Handicapped, c/o Father Tom Campion, Box 443, Monroe, WI 53566; HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711; Olbrich Gardens; or the Dane County Humane Society.

The entire family wishes to extend our sincerest gratitude to the staff and residents at Segoe Gardens Assisted Living. Their love and care made Addie's last years very special. To HospiceCare, we thank you for your gentle care, understanding and guidance. You showed us the way.

Adelin was blessed with a sunny, happy disposition, and was always optimistic. She believed that life was a precious gift to be lived well, savored, and appreciated.