Jacqueline Marie Shepard, 86, née Romeo, of Elyria, was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior on June 11, 2024.

Jackie was the daughter of the late Henry and Loretta Romeo (Brusso), born in Standish, New York on August 17, 1937. She graduated from Chateaugay Central High School in New York where she was a dedicated student, young athlete, and member of the Glee Club.

In 1958, while attending nursing school in New York, Jackie met Philip Shepard, an Airman First Class in The United States Air Force. They were married on the 12th of September, 1959 in Watertown, New York. Phil's job moved them around the Northeast for the first 5 years of marriage in which time they welcomed three daughters: AnnMarie, Mary Patricia, and Donna. In 1964, they made Elyria, Ohio their forever home and quickly welcomed a son, Stephen, and later a daughter, Maureen.

Jackie was a patient and nurturing mother, nurse, and homemaker. She was a steadfast presence in her children's lives, and a pillar of unwavering support and love until her passing. She and Phil enjoyed nearly 65 years of marriage together. Her love for him was evident in all she did. Their love is the foundation on which their children built their lives. A devout Catholic, Jackie followed in her father's footsteps and was a skilled Rosary Maker. She was a member of Our Lady's Rosary Makers and over the course of her life donated thousands of her handmade Rosaries to family, friends, and missionaries around the world. She was also a longtime member of the Altar and Rosary Society, and for many years donated her time and labor to St. Jude Church by laundering the robes and altar linens.

She was an avid crafter, and has left her children and grandchildren priceless knit, crocheted, and quilted pieces that will forever remind them of her. Though she would never boast to this fact, Jackie had a beautiful singing voice and loved to sing and hum hymns as she worked on her Rosaries and crafts. She enjoyed tending to her yard, planting flowers, and nurturing her hanging baskets until her illness progressed.

Jackie was adored and cherished by her 10 grandchildren, whom she doted on and spoiled even into adulthood. She was often the very first call when a school lunch was forgotten (always sticking extra treats in the replacement lunch) or a ride home was needed. She made her home one of their favorite places to be.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Shirley Ann Keaty. She is survived by her husband, Philip Shepard, their five children: AnnMarie Shepard (Mark Boyer), Mary Pat (Jim) Harris, Donna (Mike) Arnholtz, Stephen (Lisa) Shepard, and Maureen Shepard, their 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, her brother Donald Romeo, and many nieces and nephews.

Those who knew and loved her will remember that she signed off every letter, note, and card with: Love & Prayers,

The family will receive friends 1-4 PM Sunday June 16, 2024 at The Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria (440)322-4626 where closing prayers will be at 10:00 AM on Monday June 17, 2024. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Monday June 17, 2024 at St. Jude Church 590 Poplar St. Elyria. The Reverend Father Frank P. Kosem, Pastor Emeritus will be the Celebrant. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Elyria. The family suggests that memorial contributions in Jackie's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.