Irene Margaret Sheppard
August 2, 1949 to March 26, 2023
Obituary
To view the celebration of life for the late Irene Sheppard on Wednesday, March 29 at 2:00 p.m., please follow the link below:
It is with broken hearts that we share news of Irene’s peaceful passing on the morning of March 26th 2023 at home in St. John’s.
Irene was the beloved wife of Wade, mother to Beth (Stephen Crouse), and grandmother to Sophie Irene. Also left to mourn are her sisters Theresa, Marie and Anne, and her brother Bill. Irene will be dearly missed by a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and an extended family.
She was predeceased by her parents Angus and Clara Gillis, brother Joe, sister Loretta, sister-in-law Vina, brother-in-law Don and nephew Robbie.
Irene was born in Highlands, on the West Coast of the Island of Newfoundland and grew up with her siblings in Stephenville. Following graduation from St. Stephen’s High School she moved to Corner Brook and began her working life at the Bank of Montreal. She later returned to Stephenville to continue her banking career where she met Wade Sheppard who was living and teaching in the area. They eventually married and moved to Grand Bank where Beth was born. Careers took the family to Clarenville and later to St. John’s. When Wade began his consulting business Irene took on the role of bookkeeper for the firm.
Irene loved to travel with Wade and travelled at every opportunity when work and family commitments did not conflict. After retirement she delighted in vacationing to many of our Canadian provinces, the United States, many countries in Europe; taking ocean and river cruises, and spending extended periods of time in Italy, Spain and Portugal. Many more travels were anticipated but her advancing illness prevented these wishes from being fulfilled.
Irene loved to cook and bake, and she was fantastic at both. She loved tole painting. She loved outdoor activities – walking, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing. She loved Wade, Beth and Sophie Irene. She loved life and she would have loved to watch Sophie Irene grow. And we loved her.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all who provided care and assistance to Irene, as follows: Dr. Fontaine, Family Physician; the management and office staff of Tender Loving Care (TLC) and their compassionate home support workers; Dr. Roger Butler and his dedicated staff with the Home Dementia Care Program; the Paramedics Providing Palliative Care Program; Dr. Zadorozny and the community health/public health nurses of the Home Palliative Care Team; Dietician Sandra Williams. All support to the family was provided in a coordinated, timely and exemplary manner.
Cremation has taken place. The family will receive visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road on Tuesday, March 28 from 2- 4 and 7-9 pm. A celebration of Irene’s life will begin at 2 pm on Wednesday, March 29th in the Carnell Memorial Chapel on Freshwater Road. The celebration of life will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person with the link available above. Donations in Irene’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, or to a charity of choice.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on March 28, 2023
7-9 p.m. on March 28, 2023
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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funeral
2:00pm, Wednesday March 29th
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Wade I just heard about Irene passing. We are so sorry for you and Beth as you go through this terrible time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we hope you are able to gain some comfort in knowing that she had a wonderful life. Jackie & Jack.
Wade, to you and your family,, please accept my sincere condolence on the passing of your beloved wife.. I only learned of Irene’s death today. I would love to meet with you.
Dear Wade,
Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss.
Gus Lilly
Wade & Families:
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your love one. May God Bless you all during this very difficult time.
Wade, Beth and family,
I remember Irene as a soft spoken, gentle person with a beautiful smile.
May your very special memories of her, live on in your hearts forever.
Thinking of you.
Chris Pike
Wade and Beth
Sorry to hear of Irene’s passing. We are thinking of you during this sad and difficult time.
To Wade, Beth and all Irene’s family,
Please accept sincere condolences from Georgina and I. You have been in our thoughts and prayers for many weeks and will continue to be so. From all the happy memories expressed at yesterday’s memorial service we know that the love and support of friends and all the good memories will sustain you through these difficult times.
Wade, we didn’t know about Irene’s passing until late today (March 30th). There are no words – our thoughts are with you now as they have been over the years since Irene became ill.
Sincerely,
Gerald and Mary Galway
Wade,Beth and Anne,
We were so sorry to hear of Irene’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Don and Betty Keats
Wade, Beth and family,
So very sorry to hear about your loss. Sending my deepest sympathy to you and yours.
To Wade, Beth and family, Please accept our sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers on hearing of Irene’s passing! We will always cherish the times that we shared together and trust that the many memories that you have will help ease the pain that you find in your heart and soul!
To: Wade and Family.
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear family member. Thinking of you at this very sad time. Cherish your memories of her..
So sorry to hear about your sister ‘s passing Anne.
I know you will miss her very much, as will the rest of your family
May God bless you ,and may happy memories help you
during this difficult time.
WADE and family. Deepest condolences go out to you and Beth, and family with the passing of Irene. Treasure your wonderful memories, I remember her well when you lived in Grand Bank, she was a lovely lady. God bless. Carole
Wade & Beth,
So sorry to hear of the death of your dear wife and mother Irene and want to express our sincere sympathy to you at this time. May you find consolation in the treasured memories and in the thoughts and prayers of your family and friends! May she forever Rest in Peace!
Wade, Beth & family … we are so sorry for your loss and offer our deepest condolences.
Irene was my best childhood friend and we remained friends over the years. I was honoured to be part of her life … she was a beautiful person … inside and out.
May you Rest In Peace my precious friend … you will be remembered always.
My sincere sympathies to you..Wade and Beth. I have such fond memories of you and Irene when you moved to Grand Bank and lived next door, and then little Beth. Irene had such a kind and gentle spirit…. loved by all who knew her. I am sure she will be greatly missed, may her perfect soul rest peacefully.
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you!
Coleen
To Wade Beth and family. I was so saddened to hear of Irene’s passing. I worked with her for 5 or 6 years and Irene was a pleasure to work with. We often spoke of her after she left and how we missed working with her. She was always so easy going, patient and kind. A proud mother and wife. A great friend. I didn’t know she had a grandchild but I’m sure she was such a proud nanny. To Wade Beth and family I send you my sincere condolences and trust your wonderful memories will help you through this difficult time.
So sad to hear of l Irene’s passing. As you know she worked with us for years where she earned our respect and friendship. Steady and trustworthy, always a smile. Our deepest condolences to Wade, Beth and all the family.
So sad to hear of l Irene’s passing. As you know she worked with us for years were she earned our respect and friendship. Steady and trustworthy. Our deepest condolences to Wade and Beth and all the family.
Wade I am so sorry to hear about Irene and would like to offer my deepest and sincerest condolences to you and your family. I hope you can find some solace in the amazing memories and legacy of love that she left behind. You are all very much in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to you. my old friend.
Sending sincere condolences to Wade, Beth and family. I remember when you lived in Clarenville and her very pleasant smile.
So sorry to hear of Aunt Irene’s passing. The Lord has taken her home and she is another angel to watch over all. May all the happy memories give you comfort during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Irene’s passing ,my condolences to you Wade and your family, we’ll be thinking of you all at this difficult time and remembering you in my prayers .May she Rest In Peace ! God bless her 😘