Helen Anne Shepherd

HELEN ANNE SHEPHERD January 10, 1929-October 11, 2014 “Thankfulness is alive in the midst of sorrow” Anne Shepherd died peacefully at her home on a beautiful sunny day with her loving husband by her side. She is survived by her husband of almost 62 years, Dr. W. Earl Shepherd, her children John (Verna), Cathy Coates, Heather Koots (Don), and Nancy Sulse (Joseph), 10 grandchildren whom she adored (and their spouses) and 6 much loved great-grandchildren. Also survived by her sister Eleanor (Marc) and 4 nieces and nephews. Anne was born in Chengdu, China where her father, Dr. T. Harry Williams was a medical missionary from 1920-1942. Although life in the mission fields was challenging, she shared happy memories of birds, flowers, and people she knew then. Evacuated to India in 1942 due to war, the family returned home to Winnipeg where she attended high school, university and nursing school and met Earl at the age of 15, starting a life together that spanned more than 70 years. After they married in 1952, they moved to Vancouver where she nursed at Vancouver General Hospital and as a private duty nurse. Moving to Kamloops in 1968, she returned to university to study early childhood education and then opened her own pre-school where she gave her warm and loving support to many young children. In 1981, she and Earl moved to Chilliwack where they spent 21 years and made many close friends before they returned to Vancouver in 2002 so that they could enjoy the opera, symphony, and other cultural things which were dear to both of them. A focal point of Anne’s life was her involvement in her children’s activities and support of her community and church. From the parent teacher association in 1960 to helping at a seniors centre (when she was 75!), she was someone who could always be counted on to give joyfully of her time, her energy, and her financial support for the betterment of her community. These activities are far too numerous to list but anyone who knew her will remember her dedication and her efforts; it was said that she had probably baked thousands upon thousands of muffins in her busy days! Memorial service will be held at RYERSON UNITED CHURCH, 2195 W 45th Avenue, Vancouver on Saturday November 1 at 1:00 PM; reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Vancouver Opera, 1945 McLean Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5N 3J7 would be graciously appreciated. Send condolences at www.mbfunerals.com.