Grace Evelyn (Hagen) Shepherd

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Grace Evelyn Shepherd on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at the age of 80.  Grace was born on March 6, 1943 in Vilna, Alberta.

Grace is predeceased by her parents, Clifford and Annie Hagen.  She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, William (Bill) Shepherd, sons Bryan (Leanne), Brent (Barbara), grandchildren, Erik, Hannah, Kyrsten, Liam, and Brennan; sister Bertha Maybroda, sister-in-law Agnes Shepherd, special niece Marvie Baluch and numerous nieces, nephews and families.

Grace was raised in Vilna and after graduating from high school there, moved with her family, to Edson. There, Grace met Bill in 1962 and they were married on April 20, 1963 in Edson. Bryan and Brent soon followed, completing their family. 

Grace worked for over 36 years, spending 13 years at Edson Motors and over 23 years at Jerry Ford working in the accounting departments. Grace was highly regarded by her co-workers at both organizations, forming lasting friendships with many.

When Grace wasn’t at work, she was spending time with her family; hosting all the family gatherings for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter and birthdays, each occasion celebrated with generous amounts of delicious food, house shining from top to bottom and decorated accordingly. She also loved camping at the lake, renovating and building houses for Bill and herself, and later for her sons and their families. She loved to go shopping for clothes and home decor and Bill was always happy to accompany her (always carrying a book to read in case it took a while).

Grace had very high standards for everything she did. One of her most important tasks was to manage Bill and the boys during the many family projects undertaken over the years.  Mom ruthlessly tidied the worksite, lending a hand to whatever needed doing and most importantly, making sure everyone was well fed many times a day.

Grace loved to travel; RVing in the US and Canada, Cruising in the Caribbean and up to Alaska, and spending time on the beach in Hawaii, Costa Rica, Jamaica and Mexico.  She also loved hosting family and friends from Norway, Australia, New Zealand, the US and Canada.  She loved the outdoors and found joy in spending time with their family dogs and other strays that showed up on their doorstep over the years. 

Grace will be greatly missed.

Donations can be made to:

Alberta Diabetes Foundation

Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories

There will be no funeral service at this time.