Walene E. Shields

Walene Shields, age 92, passed away November 24, 2012. She was born in Lexington, Indiana to Walen and Marie Shields. After graduating from Lexington High School, Walene received training in court reporting in Detroit, Michigan at one of the few schools in the country with such a specialization. She was soon a court reporter in the Indiana federal courts. She then worked as a free lance court reporter in Washington D.C. for over 30 years, reporting on many Congressional sessions and even becoming involved in the many court cases stemming from the Watergate scandals, including cases before Federal District Judge Sirica. She received her bachelor's degree from Dumbarton College in Washington, D. C. and also took drawing and painting classes at the Corcoran Gallery. She had been a Savannah resident since her retirement in 1985. Walene was a devotee of antiques, art, mysteries, and politics. She is survived by three nieces and two nephews and their families. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. James Catholic Church where she was a long-time member.