Linda S. Shepard

Linda Shepard, a vibrant, joyful soul who brought energy and creativity to everyone she met, passed away Wednesday, August 12, 2026, surrounded by love. Born with an adventurous spirit and a boundless enthusiasm for life, Linda shared her gifts generously—as a devoted teacher, a passionate artist, and a fiercely loyal friend.

Linda graduated in 1971 from Lincoln High School and was always a proud Link. Following high school, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Teaching at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

Linda spent many years teaching art at Omaha South High School, where she inspired countless students to see the world through color, texture, and imagination. Outside the classroom, she built a business as a freelance photographer, capturing moments with the same warmth and authenticity she brought to her relationships.

A proud Nebraska Cornhusker fan, Linda rarely missed a football or volleyball game, cheering with the kind of excitement that could fill a room. Linda and her wife, Ann, season ticket holders, never missed a game at Memorial Stadium yelling loudly and capturing a million pictures of her favorite team. Her life was also enriched by the companionship of her beloved miniature schnauzers—Sara, Abby, and Lucy—who preceded her in death and whom she lovingly referred to as her “fur babies.”

Linda was preceded in death by her father, Harold (Red) Shepard, mother, Marjorie (Jo) Shepard, and wife, Kathryn (Ann) Gillaspie, with whom she shared a deep and enduring love. She will be laid to rest beside Ann in Omaha, reunited in peace.

Her boundless energy was fueled by Starbucks, dark chocolate, and a good glass of wine—simple joys that matched her fun-loving, outgoing personality. She leaves behind cherished family members who will miss her dearly: her brother and sister-in-law Tim and Cheri Shepard, niece Alisha Soucie and her family Michael, Hailey, and Hannah Soucie, and nephew Cory Shepard and his family Whitney, Hudson, and Hayden Shepard.

The family will hold a private service to honor Linda’s memory. The family encourages friends and family to celebrate her life and cherish the fun memories they shared with Linda.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Capital Humane Society via the link below, honoring Linda’s lifelong love for animals.