Obituary of Jean L. Shepherd
Jean Louise (Olofson) Shepherd, died April 6, 2021 at home after a decade-long bout with besetting dementia and slight stroke. She was born January 27, 1925 as the only daughter to David Emery and Mary Louise (Witter) Olofson in Westfield, PA. She graduated from Westfield High School in June of 1943. Soon thereafter, she joined other young ladies from that area as Government Girls in various departments in Washington, D.C. Jean worked in the Navy Department where she met her future husband, William “Bill” Shepherd. They were married there in Washington, D.C. on June 28, 1947 in the Church of the Epiphany. After Bill’s Navy discharge in June of 1949, they moved to Texas where Bill entered college and then to Pennsylvania in 1952, where Bill entered Penn State. From there, Bill, Jean and their little family moved to Port Arthur, Texas where Bill was employed by Texaco. There Jean engaged herself as a Cub Scout den mother, in Eastern Star, in Order of Rain Bow Girls, and leading a home of husband, one daughter and four sons. Later, she and Bill lived in Belgium and Germany, finally settling in the Town of Poughkeepsie.
She was a member of Vassar Road Baptist Church, a 65 year member of Eastern Star, 60 year member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Melizingah Chapter, avid collector of cook books, bells and genealogical information on the family’s ancestors.
She was preceded in death by her parents and only brother, John Lee Olofson and wife, Annette of Westfield, PA.
Jean is survived by her husband, William “Bill” Shepherd; her five children, Eric Creig Shepherd, Leif Even Shepherd and fiancée, Brenda Brock, Karin Leigh Shepherd and fiancé, Randy May, Mark Rowe Shepherd and wife, Denise and Ross Marr Shepherd and wife, Judy; three grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jean will be buried the family’s historic Webster Cemetery, Leigh, Harrison County, Texas with no religious or civil services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street in Wappingers Falls. To send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.
