1930
Mary
2024
Mary Josephine Shepard
June 5, 1930 — October 9, 2024
Josie was born June 5, 1930 to Annie (Gavin) and Michael J Vince Sr. She attended Benn High graduating in 1948 and married Ernest Shepard in 1950. She was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Bennington. Josie worked at Molly Stark as a secretary before transitioning to a paraprofessional position at Bennington Elementary until her retirement. She spent many hours volunteering for several organizations throughout Bennington and was passionate about raising awareness for AIDS programs in Bennington for many years after losing her son in 1989.
Josie enjoyed snow and water skiing, bowling, puzzles and was an avid card player. One of her favorite memories was camping and white-water rafting in Colorado when visiting her daughter. She enjoyed traveling with friends and family. Having no sisters, Josie truly loved visiting her sisters-in-law in Massachusetts, Texas and Arizona over the years.
Josie was predeceased by her son, Jeff, of Boston MA. She is survived by her daughters Donna and Denise of Virginia. She leaves behind several nieces and nephews whom she adored very much. Josie also leaves behind some wonderful, close friends who have been like family over the years. Thank you to all of you who were so kind and supportive over the years.
Special thanks to the staff at River's Edge in Bennington for their dedication and care over the past 2+ years. Josie enjoyed being surrounded by new and old friends there. She especially loved that she could continue to walk the old neighborhood (residing on Pageant St for years) and, when not walking, spending time on the big front porch. Her favorite time was 7 PM ice cream time. Thank you, River's Edge!
Josie will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She will live on in the lives she touched over these past 94 years.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Bennington, River's Edge, or Second Chance Animal Shelter.
A celebration of life with her daughters will be held at the First Baptist Church of Bennington (in Colgate Hall) on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 3-5 pm.
Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Josephine Shepard, please visit our flower store.
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