Doris Mae Shepperd

Doris Mae Swanson was born in Portland, Oregon to parents Everett and Charlotte (Jameson) Swanson on June 4, 1930. Doris was sister to Margaret and Charlotte. She was the oldest of the children and helped to “hold down the fort” and look after her siblings. During WWII, Doris’ father Everett was away from home and stationed in Guam where he served in the Army as a Lt. Colonel and dentist. Doris loved dancing and she loved classical music. She was an accomplished pianist at a young age. She grew up in Portland and attended Franklin Primary School and graduated from Lincoln High School in the original building in downtown Portland. Doris continued with her education and she attended college at Lewis and Clark where she was a physical education major; ultimately earning a teaching certificate and bachelor’s degree.

Doris met Harold A. Shepperd “Bert” at a dance at Lewis and Clark. The two exchanged wedding vows on August 29, 1952 in the home of their minister. They were blessed with two children – daughter Elizabeth “Beth" was born in 1953, and son Harold “Hal” was born in 1956. Doris taught high school P.E. for a very brief period, but was predominantly a homemaker and stay-at-home mother when their children were young. Their first home was on Greenberg Road in Tigard.

Doris attended school in the late 1960s to become a dental assistant. She worked for her father Everett as a dental assistant in Multnomah Village, her sisters also worked in the dental field as hygienists.

Following Bert’s retirement from his role as a printing and graphics instructor at PCC, they purchased a fine art printing company and small print shop in Portland. Together they ran Agate Press for 10 years. The two purchased a beach home on the Oregon coast in Oceanside in the mid-sixties. They were active members of their coastal community and they enjoyed many trips to the coast and cabin to recreate and recharge. They also served their community in Tigard as volunteers at their local library.

Doris will be remembered as someone who was very dedicated to her family. Although she loved classical music, playing piano, dancing, and being near the ocean, it has been said her greatest joy was just being near and taking care of Bert. She cared for him so tenderly and showed her love and devotion in so many special ways. Bert has said that meeting Doris was the “greatest thing that ever happened” in his life.

Doris is predeceased by her parents Everett and Charlotte Swanson and sister Charlotte Gephart.

She is survived by her loving husband Harold “Bert” Shepperd; daughter Elizabeth “Beth" Johnston (Bob); son, Harold “Hal” (Susan) Shepperd; sister, Margaret Hall; and grandchildren Colin Shepperd and Blair Shepperd.

Doris will be privately laid to rest in Skyline Memorial Gardens, 4101 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, Oregon, in the garden of the Sermon on the Mount.

Please visit Doris’ internet memorial and online guestbook at www.skylinememorialgardens.com

Please visit the guestbook portion of this site and enter a special memory or message.

Remembrances in lieu of flowers may be made to Cat Adoption Team, Attn: Honor/Memorial Gift, 14175 SW Galbreath Drive, Sherwood, OR 97140 or to the charitable organization of your choice. Thank you.

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to the care of Skyline Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home of Portland, Oregon