Janet M. Shields

(nee Santerelli)

Age 83 of Channahon and formerly of Wilmington, Illinois passed away Friday evening, July 18, 2025 at Arcadia Care of Morris.

A daughter of Anthony and Stella (Pomykala) Santerelli, she was born on June 12, 1942 in Joliet, Illinois, and was raised and educated in New Lenox. On November 25, 1967, Janet married Bernard Shields in St. Jude Catholic Church in New Lenox and together they made a home in Florence Township, Wilmington and raised their family.

A woman of deep faith and community spirit, Janet was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington. She generously volunteered her time for many years with Kuzma Care Cottage and the Christian Help Association, always lending a hand to those in need.

Throughout her life, Janet held various jobs, including positions at Sam’s Club in Joliet and Sears at Northfield Square Mall in Bradley. Most recently, she worked as a bus monitor for Illinois School Bus, a role she held until her retirement in 2020.

Janet will be remembered for her warm heart, her passion for cooking; love of working crossword puzzles, and her talent for cross-stitch.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law: Daniel and Deborah Shields of Channahon and Cameron and Jodi Shields of Wilmington; eight grandchildren: Megan (Alex) Sobyra, Robert (Julianne) Shields, Ryan Shields, Aubin Shields, McKenzie Shields, Collin Shields, Kathleen Shields and Cassidy Shields; five great grandchildren: Hayden, Adrian, Alianna, Ryker and Mira; two brothers: Jerry (Sandy) Santerelli of New Lenox and Tony (Linda) Santerelli of Braidwood, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Janet was preceded in death by her mother and father; step-father Joseph Georgis; son, Robert; husband Bernard; brothers: Dale Santerelli and Bernard Santerelli, and one sister, Patricia Breneman.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 12:00 p.m. Reverend Sebastian Gargol from St. Rose Parish will preside and burial will follow in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Janet’s memory to Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 S. Main Street, Wilmington, Illinois 60481

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Janet’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland and Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)