Linda Creque is the mother of Jonathon Shields (31), Tiffany Shields (29), and Zachary Shields (27). She is also the ex-wife of my husband Dean Shields, who is the children's father, and the sister of SFC RET William A. Stephens Jr.

Sadly, on May 17th Tiffany went into her grandmother's apartment and found her mother deceased on a sofa. As you can imagine, this sudden loss has been challenging for her 3 children to deal with. The grief was further compounded by the sudden death not giving them an opportunity to tell her how they felt.

These 3 children have been a part of my life for 15 years, and I love them dearly, as if they were my own flesh and blood. In this time of need, I'm asking all of my friends and family to help me show these amazing young people that the community supports them and their father Dean, who has also been affected by the loss.

Obviously, the children were not prepared for this, or the expenses that have, and will, be incurred as a result of her death. Dean and I are kindly asking that our friends, family, and community pull together and help out. Financial donations would be tremendously helpful if anyone is able and willing to contribute. Even those who aren't in a place to provide financial support can help greatly by sending prayers, positive energy, good juju, or anything else good that you believe. It would also be a huge help if people can share this gofundme far and wide.

All money donated will be used to cover the final expenses, as well as any current or future needs of Jonathon, Tiffany, and Zachary as they process what has happened.

Our entire family would like to thank each and every one of you.