Patricia Ann Shepard

Patricia (Pat) Ann Shepard passed away peacefully on September 15th, 2025. Born in Minnesota, Pat met her lifelong partner, Frederic N. Shepard, in third grade at La Mesa Elementary School. They married at age 18, and their bond grew over more than 81 years of shared joy and companionship.

Early in her life, Patricia worked in a supervisory secretarial role at Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Center. When her children arrived, she turned her energy to building her home, family, and community. She volunteered faithfully for decades at their Lemon Grove Lutheran Church and served as Church Secretary. She was always ready to help others, whether organizing events, assisting with the church alter guild, preparing meals or the reception after each service.

Pat was a lifelong learner, she loved water coloring, traveling and learning about other cultures, birdwatching, and trying new recipes and restaurants. She had a way of bringing people together through potlucks, game nights, road-trips, or shared meals. She and Fred especially loved visiting Coronado Island, sharing lunch at Point Loma while watching the boats launch, and enjoying time with their family.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Frederic N. Shepard, their four children Carolyn, Nancy, Eric, and Dave, grandchildren and great grandchildren who carry forward her spirit of wonder, connection, and curiosity for life.

Interment at Miramar National Cemetery will take place prior to a small memorial celebration, which will be held at the family home on December 22nd, 2025.

Pat lived with warmth, humor, and kindness, always learning, always connecting, and always inviting others into the fullness of life. Her legacy endures in the countless hearts she touched simply by listening and by her genuine interest in others.