Marlene Ann Sheppard

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Marlene Ann Sheppard on April 11, 2025, at the age of 82.

Marlene was born in Nordegg, Alberta, to Geneva and Ernest Ashmore (both deceased). At the age of three, the family moved to Vulcan, where Marlene attended Harrington school. In 1952, at the age of 10, the family moved to Wetaskiwin where Marlene and her siblings attended Wang School, a one-room country school. When the district closed the one-room schools, the Ashmore children were bussed to Clear Vista School and later to Wetaskiwin High School, where Marlene proudly graduated with her Grade 12 certificate — becoming the first in her father’s family to do so, a milestone that brought him great pride.

The family lived on a farm in the Wetaskiwin area, which they purchased in 1952. That same summer, a devastating hailstorm wiped out their crops, forcing the family to return briefly to Nordegg, where Ernest worked in the coal mines. They lived through a harsh winter in a small cabin before returning to the farm the following year to start over. Over time, the family raised livestock and grew wheat, maintaining a large garden. As the eldest daughter, Marlene took on significant responsibilities — including tending to the animals before and after school — a role that shaped her strong work ethic.

After high school, Marlene moved to Edmonton to complete a comptometer course, which led to her first job at the Bank of Montreal in Wetaskiwin. She had a lifelong interest in banking and accounting, priding herself on always balancing her chequebook to the penny and managing the family finances with care and precision. Later in life, she continued giving back by volunteering as a trustee for a young girl with special needs.

Marlene moved to Calgary in 1978, where she met and later married Grant Sheppard. In 1980, they bought a home in Oakridge, where they built a life together for the next 45 years. After moving to Calgary, Marlene began working at CIBC, where she built a long and fulfilling career. She was well-respected for her reliability, attention to detail, and dedication. Her work in banking was more than a job — it was a reflection of her love for structure, responsibility, and helping others.

In retirement, Marlene showed her entrepreneurial spirit by starting her own small cleaning company and also baking cookies, squares, and Christmas cakes — delights that earned her a devoted list of returning customers. Even in her final year in the Oakridge home, she still made a few Christmas cakes for long-time clients.

She was also actively involved in her church community. One of her favourite activities was participating in the Doll Knitting Club, where she and other women gathered to hand-knit comfort dolls for Samaritan’s Purse shoeboxes — gifts sent to children living in challenging circumstances around the world.

Marlene’s love language was generosity. She was famous for her homemade cranberry jelly and raspberry jam, which she shared with family, friends, and neighbours. She lovingly sewed a patchwork quilt for each of her grandchildren — even if it took years, she made sure every grandchild received one. And rather than give material gifts, Marlene quietly saved money throughout each grandchild’s childhood, depositing it into a special investment account for every birthday and Christmas. Upon their graduation from high school, she proudly gave each of them a meaningful cheque — a final gift of love and encouragement for the future.

She is survived by her loving husband Grant; her daughters Brenda (with husband Steve) and Denise (with husband Doug); and her stepson Daryn (with wife Tina). She was predeceased by her stepdaughter, Dawn. Marlene also leaves behind 11 grandchildren — Amanda (with husband Adrian), Christian (with wife Natalie), Sarah (with husband James), Claire, Morgan, Oliver (with wife Victoria), Eleanor, Elijah, Michael, Gabriel, and the late Jacob — and 9 great-grandchildren: James, Patrick, Ava, Abigail, Nora, Vada, Kaia, Kit, and Kennedy.

She is also survived by her younger siblings, Allan (with wife Jean) and Irene (with her late husband Emil). Marlene is lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews, including Karen (with husband Les), Jason (with wife Tracy), Leah (with husband Jamie), and Brett (with wife Amanda), as well as several other nieces and nephews.

Marlene’s life was one of quiet strength, compassion, and enduring love. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

A memorial service for Marlene will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, at South Calgary Community Church (2900 Cedarbrae Drive SW, Calgary, AB). A reception will follow. Marlene will be laid to rest at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens in Calgary, Alberta. Family members are invited to attend the interment following the reception.