Northborough-Loretta (Gudaitis) Shields, 74, of Northborough, died Saturday in UMass Memorial Medical Center after a period of declining health.

She is survived by her five daughters; Laura Nicholson and her husband John of Holden, Janet Short and her husband William of Northborough, Karen Jennison of Shrewsbury, Noreen Mirabito and her husband David of Boxford, and Susan Arcelay and her husband Jason of Concord, MA. Fourteen loving grandchildren and one great grandchild. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy!

She also leaves a sister, Rita Daniel, three nieces, and two nephews. A brother, Paul, predeceased her.

Loretta was born in Lithuania and was the daughter of the late Adolph and Apolonia (Baguczis) Gudaitis. Loretta grew up in Worcester and graduated from Classical High School. Loretta also loved the New England coast and was a talented artist.

Funeral and burial services will be held privately.