It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Margaret Helen Shields, aged 80, who departed this life peacefully at home on June 28, 2025 after a most courages battle with cancer.
Helen as many knew her was a loving mother, grandmother, friend, and outdoor enthusiast. She is survived by her daughter Shannyn Wiseman, son-in-law Tim Wiseman, son Jason Robinson, daughter-in law Susy Robinson, sister Lynn Caskey, and her five amazing grandchildren: Kaytlyn, Keegan, Hailey, Keighven, and Camdyn.
Born Margaret Helen Shields on September 16, 1944 in Vancouver BC Canada to her parents Lyall and Vera Currie. She was raised on a turkey farm in Cloverdale BC along with her sister Lynn and brother John (deceased). As a child she loved riding horses, ice skating, and learning about fashion from the seventeen magazines she would keep hidden under her mattress.
In the early 1960’s, she met and later (1964) married an American Serviceman by the name of Peter Robinson. They settled in the bay area of California where they had their first child Shannyn in 1968. The young family, with a thirst for adventure and on a leap of faith, moved to Ketchikan Alaska where they welcomed their son Jason in 1973. Helen and Peter would divorce soon after but Helen continued to live in Ketchikan until she moved to Whidbey Island in 1983.
For the next 42 years, with the exception of about 4 in the middle, she called Whidbey her home. She loved the vibe of the island and all it had to offer. Into her late 70’s she continued to actively enjoy hiking, kayaking, solo cross country RV’ing, and being an energetic member of the community on the south end of the island.
Helen spent most of her professional life as a real estate agent. Her infectious personality, sense of humor, great fashion sense, and desire to do right by her clients made it easy for many to trust her with the biggest purchase of their lives. It is no wonder many of her clients went on to become life long friends.
Her legacy will live on in the two hiking groups she was instrumental in establishing (Senior Striders and Sober Sisters) and her reputation amongst all who knew her as an adventurous spirit who taught us all what it means to live out loud and live to the fullest as long as you can. So, the next time you take a walk in the woods or a kayak paddle know that Helen will be smiling down and cheering you on.
A celebration of Helen’s life will be held at Dave Mackie Park at Maxwelton Beach in Clinton on Saturday, September 13th at 3pm.Thank you to all who loved and appreciated her amazing energy.
