August 27, 1921 - September 9, 2020
Violet Vera Shepherd (Vi) passed away September 9th at the age of 99 years, reunited once more with her late husband Bert.
She was born August 27th 1921 in Bassano Alberta to Florence and Harry Bacon, joining brothers John and Bob. Vi grew up in difficult times, through the great depression and the loss of her brother Bob in World War 2. She married Robert (Bert) Shepherd in 1955 and moved to the family farm near Carstairs Alberta. Vi worked side by side with Bert, tending cattle, pigs and chickens, milking cows, planting and harvesting crops, baling hay and growing a large garden. In the 1960s three children joined the family, beginning with Robert, followed by Douglas and Lori. Despite the efforts required to raise a family on a small prairie farm, Vi and Bert contributed to the community, donating what time and money they could spare to various causes. Vi was an avid baker, her bread, buns and pastries anchored many community and church bake sales. She donated time to the local school and it was a rare Sunday when she could not be found playing the organ at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church in Didsbury. Vi spent countless hours knitting slippers and toques which she donated to Ronald McDonald House. Vi loved her life on the farm where she remained after Bert passed, continuing to grow a large garden, look after her dogs and cats, play the piano and bake. Sadly, the onset of dementia took away her ability to live by herself and at the age of 88 Vi moved to Prince of Peace Harbour on the eastern outskirts of Calgary. There she became a favorite of the staff, exceeding everyone’s expectations by beating melanoma in her 90’s and reaching 99 years of age this past August.
Vi is survived by her three children Robert (Janice) of Calgary, Douglas (Judy) of Victoria, and Lori Felker (Allen) of Nanaimo, along with her granddaughter Monica (Lori & Allen). The family would like to extend special thanks to Lester, Rene and David Aarsby, along with Ken Pasco for the support they gave to Vi in the years following Bert’s passing.
The family would also like to thank the numerous staff and volunteers who took such good care of Violet at Prince of Peace Harbour. As COVID is once again on the rise and Vi would wish everyone to be safe, a formal memorial service will not be held. We ask that each of you remember her in your own way, to donate to a cause or simply to do something positive as you may choose in her memory. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with arrangements. 403-507-8610 www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
