Constance J. “Connie” Shephard – (88) – of 12 Cameron Ave., Hornell, died June 16, 2022 following a brief illness.
Born in Wellsville, NY, on March 15, 1934, she was the daughter of Gerald & Henrietta (McDowell) Lee.
Connie was a graduate of Wellsville High School (class of 1951) and later graduated of the Sisters of Charity School of Nursing in Buffalo (class of 1954). For about 2 years she was employed as a registered nurse at Roswell Park Cancer Hospital in Buffalo.
She was married on October 29, 1955 to her best friend, Paul Shephard, and in 1956 they moved to Hornell. She served as a registered nurse at St. James Mercy Hospital for many years, retiring in 1994 as nurse manager of the medical floor.
Connie was a fun loving wife and mother. Her special interests were her faith as a member of St. Ann’s Church, St. James Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, and Red Cross Board, St. Ann’s Parish Council and Ladies of Columbus. Connie had a special love and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary who guided her throughout her life. In 2002, she made a covenant with the Sisters of Mercy of Rochester and became a Mercy Associate.
She was a member of the Hornell Twin Hickory Golf Club and an avid supporter & season ticket holder of the Buffalo Bills. She was always very involved with all of her children’s sports and musical activities. Her children and grandchildren were the joy of her life.
She was a volunteer for the Ladies Professional Golf Association for 23 years; Red Cross Blood Band; Interfaith Association; Steuben County Rural Ministry and RSVP. In her early years, Connie was a Campfire Leader; club secretary for St. Ann’s Mother’s Club; Co-President of PTA at Columbian School and a member of Kieran Guild of St. James Hospital.
Connie was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Paul E. Shephard who died October 29, 2016; brother, Gerald Lee.
Surviving are 5 sons, Paul Shephard, JR, of Hornell, Daniel (Melissa) Shephard of Raleigh, NC, Robert (Nancy) Shephard of Clifton Park, NY, Stephen (Deborah) Shephard of Rexford, NY and Joseph (Lisa) Shephard of Andover, NY; 3 daughters, Pamela Daniels of Henrietta, NY, Mary (Dan) Eason of Alfred and Anne (David) Robinson of Arkport; her dear friend, Joe Mauro of Hornell; 2 sisters, Loretta (Jim) Cronin of Wellsville, and Jacci (Bob) Gardner of Saranac Lake, NY; 3 brothers, , Robert (Pat) Lee of Wellsville, Thomas Lee of Rochester, and Jim (Zoie) Lee of Binghamton, NY; many grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.
The family of Constance J. “Connie” Shephard will receive friends on Tuesday from 4 – 6 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. A “Celebration of Life” will follow the memorial service at approximately 6:45 PM at The Main Place on Main St., Hornell, NY. All are invited.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com
