Maryanne (Novack) Shields, beloved mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, died June 2 from complications from COPD.

Born in Lawrence, Maryanne was raised in Boston and Malden. She graduated from Malden High School in 1963 and from Boston University.

She worked many years for New England Telephone/ AT&T, starting as a 411 operator and working her way up to a corporate sales rep. She was active in her CWA union, eventually becoming a proud union president of her local chapter.

In the mid-1970s, as a single mother, she bought and single-handedly managed a sprawling rooming house in Malden for nearly 20 years.

Maryanne loved reading fiction, scouring flea markets, listening to Irish folk music and country music, playing darts, bowling, and making periodic trips with friends to Foxwoods casino. iSlots were her favorite. She loved to laugh loudly.

A devoted pet person and animal lover, Maryanne always had at least one rescue dog or cat in her home.

Maryanne is survived by her two children, Margaret “Mags” Shields and her wife, Becky Christie, of Salem, and Douglas Shields and his wife, Lydia Shields, of Millis. She was the grandmother of Stephen, Gerry, and Tyler.

Other survivors: siblings Agnes Buchanan of Salem, Raymond Novack of Beverly, and John Novack of Moody, ME. She was the beloved “Auntie” to Kelly, Erica, Ryan, Tatiana, Ali and Rachel. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Maryanne was predeceased by her parents, Roman and Mary (McQuillan) Novack, and a sister, Margaret.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, June 12, at 10 – 11:30a.m.in Murray Hall at The Bridge at 211 (formerly the First Universalist Society of Salem), 211 Bridge Street, Salem, MA. Those wishing to honor her memory might consider donating to Salem Hospital or Northeast Animal Shelter.

Directions to www.thebridge211.org:

Enter Murray Hall through the courtyard facing Federal Street (there is no entrance on Bridge Street). Follow GPS to “211 Bridge Street, Salem, MA.” No parking is available on site but is available at a number of nearby adjacent lots. Follow GPS directions to either the “Salem MBTA Garage, “Museum Place Garage,” or “Church Street Parking

Garage Salem.” The building is not handicap accessible, but there is a street level entrance available if necessary. Please contact a family member for more information.