Natchez — A memorial mass for Theresa Licata Fields, 79, who died Thursday, April 2, 2009, at her home, will be at 11 a.m. Monday, at St. Mary Basilica.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until services begin.

Fields was a lifelong resident of Natchez and a devoted member of St. Mary’s. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1948. She later became a member of the first graduating of USM’s Natchez Nursing School, where she was valedictorian. Mrs. Fields continued her nursing career until health conditions would no longer allow her to do so. She loved dearly nursing and caring for people — something she had done all of her life. More than anything, she loved her family. She spent her entire life caring for each of them. Family members will remember and treasure those family moments filled with her tender, loving care.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Conadell Licata Dees; one brother, Pete Guido Jr.; daughter-in-law, Gracie Fields; and sister-in-law, Willie Beth Dees.

Survivors include by her husband of 60 years, Michael J. Fields Sr.; four daughters, Connie Felter and husband, Lamar, of McComb, Mary Ann Whitehead, Theresa Fields Mullins, all of Natchez, and Lillian Fields, of Alexandria, La.; two sons, Patrick “Chuck” Fields, and Michael Fields Jr., of Brandon; sister, Lillian Dees Herring and husband, Paul, of Lake St. John; two brothers, Howard “DD” Dees and wife, Diane, of Natchez, Thomas “T. Joe” Dees and wife, Wandra, of Golden, Mo.; seven grandchildren, Catherine Andrews and husband, Charles, of Bouge Chitto, Treyce Felter, of McComb, Christopher Whitehead, of Lafayette, La., Amanda Fields and Sarah Fields, both of Brandon, Adrienne Whittington and husband, Cory, of Hattiesburg, and Betsy Mullins, of Natchez; sister-in-law Catherine “Sally” Flowers and husband, Carl, of Natchez; honorary daughter, Shirley Knight; and a number of nieces, nephews, friends and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Cathedral School or the charity of your choice.