08/19/2026
With deep sadness, we announce that SeƔn Mahoney Shields, 64, died Sunday, August
16, 2026, at Hines Veterans Administration Hospital after a five-and-a-half-year battle
with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. After his initial diagnosis, he chose to meet each day with
hope and positivity, never allowing his illness to define him while he continued to live life
to the fullest.
A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corp, a writer, musician, artist and man of
deep faith, SeƔn loved and delighted in his family and friends.
Professionally, he cared deeply about the welfare of others; his most recent work
experience spanned almost 20 years at Trinity Services, working with developmentally
disabled adults as an independent living coach.
With sparkling eyes, witty banter and genuine curiosity, he passionately explored
various disciplines to master. Whether it was riding a unicycle, country western dancing,
juggling, performing poetry or music, portrait sketching or learning the Gaeilge (Irish
language), he was relentlessly committed to mastery in the things that sparked his
interest. He loved music, especially old classic country like Hank Williams and artists of
the sixties like Simon and Garfunkel, Donovan and others, and could identify artist and
song at the drop of a hat. This made him a great trivia partner.
He was naturally curious about people and one of his favorite quotes was āA stranger is
just a friend you havenāt met yet.ā He enjoyed learning about other cultures and hearing
different perspectives.
He was deeply touched by members of the Veteran community, through which he found
true friends, brothers and sisters.
A creative force, SeĆ”n paired his passions with disciplineāthrough daily prayer and
devotion, physical and mental exercise, and his artistic pursuits. He cherished nature
and the natural environment. And of course, he reveled in hot sauce, cinnamon and all
the spices of life.
He is survived by his mother, Maureen Mahoney Shields, his sisters Mara Mackey and
Erin Shields (David Keene), nephews James Keene and Thomas Keene and niece,
Shannon Keene (Ankush Mittal), as well as beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. He was
preceded in death by his beloved father, Stanley Shields.
A Celebration of SeĆ”nās Life is being planned for October 2026
