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February 6th, 1940 – January 13th, 2025
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Janet Leckie Sheppard (nee Mackay) on January 13th, 2025 after a long battle with dementia.
Predeceased by husband, Bruce Sheppard; parents, Charlie and Mabel Mackay; sister, Ann Gifford; and grandson, Stephen Sheppard.
Janet was born in Nanaimo, British Columbia. She obtained her degree in nursing through the University of British Columbia, graduating in 1961. During her 10 year career with the Royal Canadian Air Force as a captain, she was stationed in Boden, Germany; Gander, Newfoundland and Petawawa, Ontario. It was while stationed in Petawawa that she met and married the love of her life, Bruce Sheppard. They were happily married for over forty-five years and lovingly raised five sons. After 10 years of nursing, she retired to enjoy doing what she loved, and excelled at, raising a family.
Janet was an active member of the community throughout her life. She gave time to the Canadian Club of Canada and the First Presbyterian Church.
Janet’s devotion to her children was evident through the countless hours put in volunteering and acting as the ‘class mother’ for all of her children at Highview Public School. In Janet’s eyes, her children could do no wrong!!
Anyone who knew Janet could always count on her generosity, kindness, and unwavering support. If you needed someone to listen, Janet was always there for you. She had time for everyone and never judged; always giving sage advice and a calming presence.
Janet will be greatly missed by her five sons, Richard (Ann), Robert (Jane), Donald, Graham (Jenny), and Ian (Jennifer); nine grandchildren, Rebecca (Ryan), late Stephen, Bruce (Crystal), Haley (P.A.), Phil (Jenny), Mackenzie, Olivia (Kyle), Abbey, and Liam; nine great-grandchildren, Thomas, Logan, Oliver, Kaelyn, Elizabeth, Ricky, Nolan, Emmarae, and Tayanie.
Following Janet’s wishes, the family will be having a small celebration of life to honour the woman we lovingly called mom, grandma, and great grandma. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations to CHEO.