Published in the July 26, 2018 edition.
STONEHAM — Joan M. Sheppard, 85, of Stoneham, formerly of Somerville, passed away unexpectedly on July 23, 2018. Born and raised in Somerville; she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Veronica (Sullivan) Kelley.
Joan was the loving wife of 66 years to James C. Sheppard. Both were brought up in Somerville, and it was there they raised their five children. Upon retirement, they moved to Stoneham.
Joan was very much devoted to her family. She ran a “tight ship,” she was well organized and demanded discipline; however she showered each with lots of love.
Joan was very strong in her faith and was a member of St. Joseph Church in Wakefield after moving to Stoneham. She regularly attended Mass throughout her life.
Joan also loved to shop and just several days before her death, she was visiting Marshalls for a new outfit. She prided herself in wearing the latest fashion.
She was the mother of Lou Ann Melino and husband Robert of Wakefield, Jay Sheppard and wife Judy of Goffstown, N.H., Tom Sheppard of Maynard, Wendy Minton and husband Robert “Bub” of Malden, and the late John Sheppard and her daughter-in-law Diane Ghilain of Malden. She is also survived by twelve cherished grandchildren, Nicole, Robbie, Michelle, Jackie, Collette, Krysten, Danielle, Ryan, Jaime, TJ, Kevin and Madeline. Seven beloved great-grandchildren, Christian, Calvin, Tessa, Josie, Landen, Lincoln and Charlie. She was the sister of six siblings, including Thomas Kelley of Medford and Mary Jane Shea of Tewksbury.
A Mass celebrating the life of Joan M. Sheppard will be held Friday, July 27 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Parish, 173 Albion St., Wakefield, followed by burial in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Arrangements under the guidance of Anderson-Bryant Funeral Home, Stoneham.
