Sandra Webster Shepard

August 4, 1944 - March 24, 2020

August 4, 1944 - March 24, 2020 Sandy Shepard passed peacefully in her sleep on March 24, 2020 after suffering a stroke. She was born in Montreal, Canada on August 4, 1944 to Marguerite and Willard Webster, who preceded her in death. She was the eldest sibling to Anne and Kathy, who preceded her in death, and Ross, who lives in Winnipeg Canada. At 8 years old Sandy moved to Winnipeg with her family. She was prolific in her studies including a Bachelor’s of Science degree in child development and family relationships, and special education. She then went on to earn a Master’s degree in Special Education at Brigham Young University, where she met her future husband, Chase Shepard. They married in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on February 24, 1972. They had one child, then adopted 5 children from Costa Rica, and then were blessed with 2 more children. Sandy is survived by seven of her eight children, Dora Elizabeth having passed away in a car accident at 18 years of age. Sandy is survived by her children Alexys (Michael Steiner), Chuck (Jennifer), Danny (Sara), Margaret (Justin Beardall), David (Terra), Jenny (Joseph Shackelford), and Lane (Katie), twenty-three grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. Sandy was a passionate high school teacher at Timpview High School for 23 years in the special education department, where she became the head of the department. At the young age of 59, she returned to school and received another Master’s Degree as a Physician Assistant at Western University in California, and practiced for 7 years prior to retiring. After retirement she continued to enjoy learning medicine and kept up her license. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Chase, who has severe dementia. She spent almost half of each day with him in the care facility, feeding him, reading to him, and sharing her always upbeat spirit with him. Sandy enjoyed many wonderful experiences in her life. She stayed in Costa Rica where they adopted 5 children to complete their family. Shortly thereafter they were happily surprised with the birth of their last two children. Sandy made sure to keep her connection with Canada and her family strong by traveling with all her children every summer to Moose Lake, Manitoba Canada, to spend time at her family’s lake side cabin. While there they enjoyed time in the lake, swimming and canoeing in the cold waters. Fun memories were made as family picked fresh blueberries and making blueberry pies. It was a wonderful time with all the kids, Sandy’s parents, and her brother Ross and his family creating memories. Sandy and Chase made it a point to travel as much as possible with their children. From long road trips across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, to overseas trip in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Sandy also had special trips of her own to Russia, Poland and Peru. Sandy spent much of the rest of her time helping her many children and grandchildren by listening, giving advice, and babysitting. She loved to send everyone birthday cards and her favorite holiday cards to all the kids and grandkids including St Patrick’s Day, to remind the kids of their Irish ancestors. Sandy was so excited about genealogy and learning about her ancestors. She was devoted to temple work. Sandy continued to stay active in her community. She swam almost every day in her local neighborhood pool and loved her morning get-togethers with her dear pool friends. She regularly taught lessons in her church’s Sunday school. She had many active callings, which she loved, as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. One of her favorite roles in the Church was being in the Choir, she took great comfort in music and really enjoyed the time she spent in the ward and stake Choirs. She cherished the gospel of Jesus Christ and truly lived a Christ like life. Every person who met her was better for it, and felt of her kind and giving spirit. We miss her more than we can express in words! A celebration of her life will be held once gathering restrictions have been lifted.