Mary-Ellen Gallagher Sheppard

Mary-Ellen (Mellen) Gallagher Sheppard, passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at her home in Ankara, Turkey. She was 68 years old. She is survived by her husband, CAPT William L. Sheppard, Jr., USN (Ret).

Born in Pawtucket, RI, August 19, 1946, she was the daughter of Ruth Frances Gallagher of Pinehurst, NC and the late CAPT Joseph Gallagher. Her daughter, Brigid Kathleen Sheppard preceded her in death. As the daughter and wife of career Naval Officers, she saw much of the world. Mellen was also a gifted and creative cook/chef who earned her Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts when she was in her 50s.

In addition to her husband and mother, Mellen is survived by one daughter, Nicole Marie Rowney and husband Peter of Islamorada, FL; four sisters, Ruth Iverson and husband Kris of Pinehurst, NC, Colleen Sheppard and husband Robert of Arlington, VA, Maureen Dyer and husband Michael of McLean, VA, Brigid Pope and husband Wesley of Naples, FL and one brother, Timothy Gallagher of Southern Pines, NC.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 8, 2015 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Lynchburg, VA, with the Rev. Fr. Jim Gallagher officiating.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 7, 2015 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel in Lynchburg, VA from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. with a Christian wake service beginning at 8:30 p.m.

To send online condolences to the family or for further information, please visit www.whittentimberlake.com.