Sheppard, Judith

Aka Jude, Judy, Mom, Granny, Aunty & GG. Our stoic, kind, nurturing, and generous Mom has “bought the big farm” as she would say.

Mom was born in Duncan, BC.  She married our dad, Terry and supported his RCMP career as they ricocheted their way around the province lugging five kids, a dog, two cats, random guinea pigs, hamsters, horses and all the craziness that surrounds them.  Upon reaching Nelson, she decided this was her home, and she planted roots and created a home of love for her five crazy kids and every friend they brought home who needed a soft place to land.   At one point we had 14 of us under one roof, with one bathroom.  Mom was indeed a master scheduler and had a job list extraordinaire going at all times, supported by a rotating bathroom schedule (don’t miss your window or you were off to the gas station).  She never closed her door on anyone in need and would just throw an extra egg in the pan if she woke up and there was an unknown guest sleeping on the couch.  She joined the City of Nelson family in the seventies and proudly worked for them up to her retirement.  She made many lifelong friends and touched all who knew her. She volunteered for the Food Bank, delivered groceries to seniors, and helped with Meals on Wheels.

Mom loved nothing more than family gatherings and we created many memories sitting around the kitchen table at Mom’s sharing laughs. Dr. Hook’s “Freakin’ At the Freakers’ Ball” was often an accompaniment to our hilarity.

Mom was surrounded by her children in her last days and we laughed and shared stories of antics & memories.  We feel her loss profoundly, but we are so very grateful for the time we had together. Mom, you taught us well and we will continue a life of laughter, the occasional shenanigan and kindness.  Holding you forever in our hearts are Holli (Mike), Laura, Jason, Greg (Robin), Erin (Mark), grandchildren Megan, Sara, Brendan, Maya, Morgan, Ryan, Avery & Bailey, great grandchildren Emmett, Benjamin, Lyla & Daisy, sister Linda (Al), niece Marnie, nephew Neil. There are countless others who held her close, and she loved you all.

As per Mom’s wishes, there will not be a service. Please celebrate and remember her by smiling at a stranger, being kind to someone who needs it, petting a dog or two, giving someone a helping hand, sharing a laugh at inappropriate jokes and then “sit down and take a load off” and visit with the ones you hold dearest. A life well lived, spent shining her light of kindness on all. The world will not be the same without her.

Mom tirelessly collected supplies to help numerous animal organizations. Her love of animals was unwavering. In lieu of flowers, she would be tickled to know that a donation was made to KAAP (Kootenay Animal Assistance Program) in her memory. https://www.kaap.ca/donate .