Constance Lynne Shepard

Constance "Connie" Lynne Shepard passed away peacefully, leaving behind a long and accomplished life. Born on June 22, 1932, in Connecticut, she grew up in moving around the country, graduating from Saint Petersburg high-school in St. Petersburg, Florida. In 1953, she graduated from Crawford W. Long Nursing School with an R.N. and began her career as a nurse, working many years in the E.R. After marrying in 1954, Connie returned to Connecticut and raised four children. Following a divorce, she and her children moved to Tucson, Arizona, where she met and married William (Bill) Shepard, M.D., in 1970. Connie attended University of Arizona and was among the first class to earn her Family Nurse Practitioner certificate in 1975.

In 1976, the couple moved to San Luis Obispo, California, where Connie ran a private medical practice before working with County Mental Health. Always eager to continue her education, she obtained a B.A. in English from California Polytechnic State University in 1991. She and Bill moved to Cambria for a period of time in the mid to late 80’s and was that towns only doctor and nurse for several years.

Throughout her life, Connie pursued a range of interests, including photography, writing children's stories, and volunteering for various organizations like the Atascadero Library and Meals on Wheels. She was also involved in the American Association of University Women (AAUW), local writers' groups, book clubs, and the Atascadero Art Association.

Connie was predeceased by her husband, Bill, in 2011. She is survived by her children, Joann Helmich (Jim), Lori Brown (David), Chuck Ellison, Jennifer Shepard-Knadler (Howard), Thomas Shepard (Julie), Suzanne Shepard, and William A. Shepard, as well as nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the local Humane Society.