Gloria Katherine Sheppard, age 89, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on December 12, 2024, at My Michigan Medical Center in Sault Ste. Marie. She was born on October 20, 1935, to Steven and Mary (Skoro) Kovich.
Gloria grew up in Ontario and graduated from High School and then worked as a photographer with Sault Photo. She later met Wayne Sheppard, and they got married December 27, 1958. She traveled with Wayne while he was in the service and while they were stationed in San Francisco they started their family. Unfortunately, Wayne died at the young age of 35 and Gloria raised their three sons on her own.
Gloria was a devout Jehovah’s Witness since 1971 and loved to share the Bibles message of hope with everyone she met. She instilled her faith into her children and grandchildren. She cherished the resurrection hope and the message of God’s Kingdom.
Gloria loved doing community service, painting, photography, and even knitting afghans. She had a wonderful sense of humor but above all she was a devoted mother.
She had a one-of-a-kind connection with everyone around her. She made it a point to stay in touch with lifelong friends while always welcoming new faces into her life. Her memory was extraordinary; she remembered every detail of the moments she shared with the people she loved.
To her children, she was a loving, unwavering presence. To her grandchildren, they would always be her babies, cherished and adored beyond words. She gave her full attention when you spoke to her, making you feel like you were the most important person in the world.
Gloria is survived by her sons, Mark (Becky) Sheppard of Sault Ste. Marie, Eric Sheppard of Morrisville, Vermont, and Scott (Wendy) Sheppard of Brutus, Michigan. Grandchildren, Shawn Sheppard and Jamie Sheppard; sister, Linda (Scott) Dundas and brother, Paul Kovich, sister-in-law Haleen Kovich of Ontario, Canada. Gloria is also survived by many nieces and nephews scattered throughout Canada and the United States.
Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Sheppard; grandson Grant Sheppard; sister, Olga (Dean) Lever; brother, John Kovich and sister-in-law Alice Kovich.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday December 21, 2024, at 1:00 pm. at the Kingdom Hall, 205 East 5 Mile Road, Sault Ste. Marie Michigan 49783.
Gloria’s final resting place will be Oaklawn Chapel Gardens, 15264 M-129, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
