Obituary of Elsie H. Sheppard

   Elsie H. Sheppard (99 years of age) passed away on Friday, November 10, 2023, at home. 

   Elsie was born in Bronx, NY on January 26, 1924.  She was only 3 lbs. when she was born and due to allergies could only have barley water.  Her will and spiritual strength sustained her.  She grew up to be an angel on earth, caring for and helping all those who knew her.

   Elsie’s parents, Marie and Emil Kiefer, owned Kiefer’s Bakery in the Bronx, where she went to school and met her husband to be, Eugene John Sheppard.  They were married on July 15, 1945. 

   In 1947 Elsie’s parents bought a farm in Pine Plains, NY.  Elsie and Eugene moved in and had 2 children, Lynne, and Mark.

   The next move was to Chelsea, NY, where her parents bought a house and Elsie and Eugene built a house on the property in 1957.  There she became known as “ELSIE FROM CHELSEA”.  She attended Beautician School and opened The Pink Door beauty shop in their home.  Her customers were more like friends than clients and she had the business for 33 years. 

   Then in 1990, Elsie and Eugene moved to Vero Beach, Florida, where they made their third home.  She made absolutely beautiful stained-glass pieces, which she started doing while in Chelsea.  Her favorite pieces to make were angels and crosses.  She actually made stained-glass doors for their church in Vero Beach when she was 80 years old.  Everyone she knew had a stained-glass piece from Elsie.  She also played accordion by ear and had an organ as well, not to mention crocheting and other gifts always made and given with love.

   Elsie was predeceased by her husband Eugene, parents Marie and Emil Kiefer, and her brother Emil and his wife Julie Kiefer.

   She cherished and loved her family dearly, including her children, Lynne Sheppard and John, and Mark Sheppard and wife Debbie; grandchildren, Melanie Roberts and husband Kevin, and Michael Sheppard; great-grandson, Joshua Roberts; and many cousins and extended family members.  Those left behind will cherish her forever; God blessed us with her.

   Our family would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers and nurses who were instrumental in keeping Elsie safe and comfortable in her elder years at home in Chelsea.

   A service will be held at Zion Episcopal Church, 12 Satterlee Place, Wappinger Falls, NY 12590, on Sunday, November 19, at 1pm.  All are welcome to join us at a reception in the Parish Hall, immediately following the service.  Interment will be at a later date for immediate family.

   In lieu of flowers, our family requests that donations be made, in memory of Elsie, to Zion Episcopal Church.  Elsie’s signature color was pink, and we know that she’d love to see anyone inclined to do so, wear something pink to her service.  She was an Angel on Earth who has now joined the Angels in Heaven.