Mary Islay Shepard

Mary Islay Peden Shepard, 80, passed from this world, peacefully, Friday, January 20, 2012, at her home in Rochester Hills, Michigan. She was surrounded by love and family. Mary was the devoted wife of Lawrence Sanders Shepard for the past sixty years. She was the loving mother of Kathryn Shepard Lobenherz and Amy Shepard Ploussard (Steve), and a proud grandmother to Alexandra and Austen Lobenherz, as well as, Alysse and Ashley Ploussard.

Born March 22, 1931 in Port Huron Michigan, she was the only child of Robert William Peden and Mary Islay McNab. She grew up in the Detroit/ Birmingham areas and Cleveland, Ohio. She met Larry Shepard at Michigan State University and they were married on her 21st birthday in 1952.

Mary graduated from M.S.U. with a B.A. in Education, later also receiving her Master’s degree. Mary taught third grade in the Rochester Community Schools for 30 years, embracing her love of children, and learning;. At the height of her career she was the most “requested” teacher in the school district.

Mary was an exceptional wife and life partner to her husband, Larry, as they navigated life together. Mary raised her two daughters with love and devotion. Family and friends were everything to her. Socially, she was a vibrant and loving friend. Many of her friendships extended throughout her life.

An able volunteer throughout her life, Mary was a founder of the Rochester Junior Women’s Club, a REA representative for Long Meadow School, and a member of the Southeast Assistance League, United Methodist Church, Village Women’s Club, Meadowbrook Women’s Club, and Nomads. She co-chaired the first Art and Apples. Mary loved life, family, dogs, art, travel, boating, decorating, fashion, flowers, education, friends and life!

Visitation will Tuesday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Pixley Funeral Home in Rochester. A funeral service celebrating the life of Mary will be Wednesday 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, also in Rochester. Interment will be a private ceremony at Maple Grove Cemetery, Mullett Lake, MI.

Mary’s family cannot be more thankful for the support of close friends and care givers who helped Mary and her family thru the last stages of her illness. With this in mind, her family requests that memorial donations are sent to Hospice of Michigan and/or Alzheimer’s Research.