Sylvia J. "Sam" Shields

Sylvia J. “Sam” Shields, loving mother, grandmother and friend

Portville- Sylvia J. “Sam” Shields, of Lillibridge Rd, Portville, passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at her daughter Tammy’s home, in the care of her loving family after a long illness.  

Sam was born in Olean on June 7, 1951, the daughter of the late John P. and Eva J. Morgan.

A 1969 graduate of Portville Central School. Sam was a Life member of the former Portville Fire Auxiliary, past secretary, and treasurer of both Portville Fire Dept. and Portville Fire Commissioners. She was a long-time member of the Portville Historical Society.  Her hobbies included bowling, crocheting, knitting, quilting, and crafting. Sam was an avid Yankees fan, watching all the games and she loved spending time with her family.

Sam is survived by her children, Tammy (Jim) Veno and Timothy (Jess) Shields; her grandchildren, Elizabeth Shields, Courtney Veno, Lindsey Veno, Felisha Veno, Tevin Veno, Timothy Veno, Breana (Alex) Young, and Chloe Shields; two great-grandchildren; siblings, Alice (Dewey) Gustin, Artie (Gary) Skroback and Jaye Zelko; a sister-in-law, Jean Morgan; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, John and Eva; two brothers, John Morgan, and Ned Morgan; four sisters, Mary Bradford, Cindy Cline, Alberta Rowe, and Ruby Morgan; and three brothers-in-law, Jerry Bradford, John Zelko, and Clarence Cline.

Family will receive friends at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 51 S. Main Street, Portville, on Saturday (March 29, 2025), from 2 - 4 pm, with a funeral service starting at 4 pm in the funeral home. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Portville Historical Society or St. Jude’s.

Online condolences may be expressed at guentherfh.com