Rose Anne Canning Shields, 84, of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed peacefully on Friday, May 30, 2025, at her residence.

Rose was born in the little town of Mohill, County Leitrim, Ireland on October 23, 1940 to parents Peter Canning and Rose Anne Reynolds Canning. She was the fourth addition to the couple, which included older siblings, brother Michael John, brother Peter Canning, sister Nuala Gallagher née Canning; her brother James Anthony (Tony) Canning would follow two years later to comprise a family unit of the parents and 5 children.

Growing up was not easy for them. They were farmers by trade, and each had to work diligently to contribute to the success of the farm. At that time and in that area, running water and electricity were not commonplace. Their water came from a well and captured rainwater. Their interior lighting came from oil lamps. Life was tough for them, but they didn’t know they were poor because every other person in the area experienced the same conditions.

As the years passed, and each sibling matured, most sought a livelihood other than farming. The late Michael John remained to work on the farm with Mom and Dad. Brothers Peter and Tony joined the Garda and then retired. Nuala went to England and made her career in nursing. Rose traveled to Manchester Hospital in England where she also trained in nursing to become a registered nurse. Then, she went to the USA to try working there for one year which ultimately led to her staying and adopting the USA as her home and marrying her husband, Patrick. Subsequently, she raised Patrick’s first son, Stephen Patrick and then bore 4 more children, all of whom were the lights of her life and the apples of her eyes. Alanna Rose was the first in 1972, followed by Patrick J. III in ’74, Peter Michael in ’75, and Brian Thomas in ’77. Initially upon moving to the USA, she worked at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisko, New York. Then moved to Queens for additional training and was employed at Flushing Memorial Hospital.

The following years encompassed moving to many locations, including Illinois and Florida. During all these location changes, Rose continued to work while raising a family. As the kids grew and became less dependent, she reestablished her nursing career working full-time in various locations solely because she loved nursing and giving solace, care, and understanding to those in need. Rose was loved by everyone who met her, and her compassion and love were her crowning glory. She finally retired in 2016.

She was a devout Catholic and ensured her family received the sacraments and were practicing Catholics during their upbringing. Rose loved living creatures of all kinds, especially her pet cats and dogs that she nurtured all her life, including current cats Kody, Bella, and Zoe and dogs Copper and Rascal.

Even though Rose was proud to be an American citizen, Ireland was “home”.  Whenever she felt heartsick and wanted to go home, Ireland was where she wanted to go. The Emerald Isle held her, as it has held millions of its sons and daughters, as a willing hostage for life. Ireland is one place on Earth where its residents are blended with the land itself into a place like no other. Though Ireland’s sons and daughters are scattered throughout the world, all agree there is only one home. Ireland, the land of saints and sinners, of poets and authors, and of songs and dance. Rose, though in heaven, is looking down on the emerald green isle and still calling it home.

In addition to her parents, Rose was preceded in death by her eldest brother Michael John. She is survived by her loving husband Patrick, daughter Alanna, sons Stephen (Kristine), Patrick III (Kate), Peter, and Brian. Brothers Peter Canning (Margaret), Tony Canning (late wife Marie), and sister Nuala Gallagher née Canning (Tommy); nephews Tony Canning, Peter Canning Jr. (Jessica), Michael Canning (Angela), John Canning, Gerard Gallagher (Claire), Dermot Gallagher and James Gallagher, nieces Ciara Canning and Mary Harris (Graham). Sister-in law Winnie (Tish) Doerbecker, brother-in-law Ken Doerbecker, nephew Michael Doerbecker (Anne), nieces Suzy Ireland (Ryan) and Chrissy Doerbecker. Grandchildren Colin Shields (Jade), Catharine Bush (late husband William), and Liam Shields. Great grandchildren Tyler and Tori DeFilippis, Elliana and Westley Bush, and Winter Hayes.

A visitation and wake service will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Roberson Funeral Home located at 2151 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte, Florida, from 4 to 7 Pm, Wake at 6 Pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following day, Friday, June 13, 2025, at San Antonio Catholic Church located at 24445 Rampart Blvd in Port Charlotte, FL, at 11 Am. A private committal will be held at a later date.

Prayers are requested for the repose of the soul of Rose Anne Canning Shields. Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family.  Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Charlotte Chapel.