Odette Fautret Shepherd

Odette Fautret Shepherd, age 97, of Bloomington, Indiana passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the Bell Trace Health and Living Center. She was born on April 24, 1928, in Nancy, France, the daughter of Louis Emile and Palmyre (Gerard) Fautret and was raised by caring parents, grandparents, and other family members.

In Nancy, she completed her secondary education (Lycée) and then studied at the Conservatoire de Musique where she earned the Premier Prix de Piano (First Prize in Piano) by unanimous jury. She was later awarded a Fullbright scholarship and came to the Indiana University (IU) School of Music in September 1951. At IU, Odette earned a Master of Arts in Music degree.

Except for summer trips to France, she would live in Bloomington for the rest of her life.

She married Clayton H. Shepherd on May 20, 1970, and they were together until his passing 20 years later. She worked as Head of the Serials Department at IU Libraries, from 1967 to 1998. At her retirement, her colleagues praised her visionary leadership in helping move IU Libraries into the electronic age. Throughout her life she was faithful disciple of Jesus Christ and an active member of the Bloomington congregations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She made significant contributions by sharing her love of genealogy/family history with others in the community. She was also an avid patron of the arts and made significant donations to local music and library institutions.

Odette was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her son, Lewellyn. She is survived by her stepson, Richard H. Shepherd, extended family in France and Belgium, and friends in the Bloomington community.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 15 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; 2411 E. Second St; Bloomington, IN. Entombment will follow in Valhalla Memory Gardens Mausoleum.

Online condolences may be given at www.DayDeremiahFrye.com