Wendy Shields Bauer, 72, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Emmanuel Memorial Episcopal Church, 208 W. University Ave., Champaign, IL 61820, or to Illinois Public Media/WILL Radio, 1305 W. Green St., 214, Urbana, IL 61801.

Wendy leaves behind her beloved husband of 46 years, Robert, who made her life meaningful and a lot easier. She also leaves her daughter, Kathryn Johnson, who was her greatest joy and gratification; her favorite son-in-law, Stefan Johnson; and her beloved granddaughters, Heidi, Pippa, and granddaughter No. 3 due in April.

She was predeceased by her parents, John and Janice (Benson) Shields; and brother, Geoffrey (Genie) Shields.

Her surviving siblings, Mark (Nikki) Shields and Deborah (Allan) Penar, brought merriment and laughter from childhood through their old age (especially their trip to New Orleans!). 

Much of her greatest joy was the time she spent playing in their Dixieland band with Mark and the endless laughter with her best pal, Debby.

She was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and their children, whom she treasured and who all counted her as their favorite aunt. Her family was her greatest joy, and she felt truly blessed to be part of the "Shields Clan."

Wendy received her bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and her J.D. from the University of Illinois. She practiced law in Champaign with the firm of Nally, Bauer, Feinen and Mann and truly cherished the respect she felt for the women who were her partners - all wonderful people.

In 2022, Wendy was honored for her many years of legal services to the community as an inductee into the Champaign County Bar Association's "Pillar of the Bar." She served a number of local organizations and boards, including most notably her time as a Girl Scout leader of a group of exciting young women and their marvelous mothers. She was a member of Emmanuel Memorial Episcopal Church, where her faith was reinvigorated and where she found so many joyous connections with fellow Emmanuelites. Wendy was an eternal optimist and truly enjoyed the people in her life. She leaves many friends whom she loved deeply.