In Memoriam: Vivian Delice (Lisi) Shields Roces

Posted on June 2, 2021 By Editor In Memoriam

Vivian Delice (Lisi) Shields Roces, 65, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, following an extended illness.

Lisi, the daughter of Robert Benoit Shields and Vivian Mae Robinson Shields, was born and raised in Jacksonville. She married Armando in 1977. Together they lived in Tallahassee, FL, Zaragoza, Spain, Durham, NC, then returned to Jacksonville. While in Spain during Armando’s years in medical school, Lisi taught English, worked as the registrar for Troy State University, and worked for the Boeing Corporation. Lisi was beloved by her Spanish friends and became fully integrated into the local culture of Spain.

Upon returning to the United States, Lisi and Armando began their family, having their sons Javier, born in Jacksonville, FL, and then Luis, born in Durham, NC. Lisi was unwavering in her love and support of her children throughout her life. As an empty nester, Lisi became a real estate agent with Watson Realty in Jacksonville.

Lisi enjoyed traveling and was always game, cautiously game, for new adventures. Lisi was an avid reader and a lover of nature. She enjoyed music, parties, dancing, good food and wine. Lisi was fun to be around. She loved tennis, hiking, snow skiing, scuba diving, and bird watching. She raised Monarch butterflies to release and maintained a Purple Martin colony (endangered American songbirds) for over twenty years. Two days before her passing, she was able to watch one of her very favorite “cult” movies, Across the Universe, and enjoyed it again.

Unfortunately, six years ago, Lisi was diagnosed with cancer. First it was Breast Cancer and then Metastatic Lung Cancer. Lisi did not smoke. She was determined and brave in her battle. As one of her good friends said, “she was one of the most positive and bravest people I have ever known. She is an inspiration to all those suffering from an incurable illness”. As she passed to be with God and loved ones, she was surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Armando, sons Javier (Cortlandt) and Luis of Jacksonville, granddaughter Eleanor Shields Roces of Jacksonville, brother Gene McIlvane (Tony) of Port St. Lucie, sister Julie Shields Gordon (Robert) of Evanston, IL, father-in-law Armando Roces and his wife Ginger of Jacksonville, sisters-in-law Annette of Miami, Georgina of St. Pete Beach, Isa of Santa Fe, NM, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Lisi is preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Georgina Roces Collazo, her parents, and her sister Cokey.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at 11am, June 5, 2021 at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Legacy Lodge, 4801 San Jose Blvd. Inurnment will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 904-737-7171. Please sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com.