Madelyn “Lyn” Moon Shields, age 77, of Manchester, Massachusetts died on Thursday September 10, 2026 of complications from cancer.
Lyn’s lifespan may have been cut short, but her wingspan goes well beyond her 77 years. She was a devoted wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, and there was no one who met Lyn who did not feel better for knowing her.
Born February 27, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan to Philip and Frances Kendall Moon, Lyn spent most of her adult life on the North Shore of Boston, primarily in Beverly Farms.
Lyn lived life always choosing to see the good in people and in her own circumstances. She woke up every morning, even when ill, and chose to shine her spotlight on the gifts in her life-her friends, the birds outside, her flowers, her family and most recently, non-gluten-free sweets. At the same time, Lyn was acutely aware of people less fortunate. She spent much of her adult life serving others, whether that meant caring for friends who were ill or serving the broader community at large on boards and in support of charities. Along with her husband Tom, Lyn founded Alpha New England, which has continued to thrive since its inception in 2001. She also served on the board of Gordon College for more than eight years. Lyn’s generosity of spirit was unmatched.
As a woman of deep faith, Lyn led and participated in Bible classes since 1985 and was active in a fellowship group for more than twenty years. She served as a Chalice Bearer and Lay Eucharistic Minister, bringing Communion to those unable to attend church. She volunteered with Family Promise, an organization working to prevent homelessness, and she continued delivering Meals on Wheels even after her cancer diagnosis.
Lyn loved to travel, to visit museums (locally and abroad), and always remained curious and interested in the world. Her friendships span continents, religions and faiths, and reflect her welcoming and openhearted nature.
Lyn loved racket sports and up until recently, her pickleball dance card was always full. She found a way to exercise every day, whether it was aerobics or step class in the 80s, going to the MAC with her TRX ladies more recently, and always walking at a pace that most would consider a brisk jog. Lyn loved to walk on the beach in warm weather and to cozy up with a book by a blazing fire in the winter. She loved the Beatles-George Harrison was her favorite-and her favorite verse in the Bible was Philippians 4:4-9. Nana loved playing with her eleven grandchildren when they were young and supporting them on the sidelines of their games and music gigs as they grew. She never developed a love of cooking or professed to have a green thumb, but nobody’s perfect.
In Lyn’s honor, Dalton Electric, the family business, established the Lyn Shields Living Our Values Award, machined from the company’s own steel and given to one employee a year. One of Lyn’s last wishes was to be able to present the inaugural award, which she did via a video message.
Lyn will be remembered not only for her deep faith, but for her constant care for friends and family, her laugh and warmth, and her loving and spirited nature.
Lyn/Mom/Nana is deeply missed by her beloved husband of 44 years, Thomas Shields; son Thomas Shields Jr. and his wife Louisa, and their children David, Stephanie, and Eliza; daughter Kira Willey and her husband David, and their children Lola, Tristan, and Brody; son Seth Bartlett and his wife Wrenn, and their daughter Luli, daughter Kyra and her husband Andrew, and their children Cameron, Riley, William, and Graham, her brother Richard Moon and his wife Risa; her brother and sister in-law Peter and Susie Shields and her many beloved nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass will be held in celebration of Lyn’s life at Sacred Heart Church, 62 School Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea on Thursday, October 8th at 11am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers or gifts, contributions may be made in memory of Lyn to the following: a charity of your choice, Sacred Heart in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gordon College, Alpha New England. Arrangements made by the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.
