Edith “Edye” Anne Shepard passed away quietly in her sleep on January 7, 2019. She was 84 years old.
Born on February 11th, 1934 (along with her twin brother Edward) in Massillon, Ohio to Raymond and Helen Shepard. She moved with her family of 2 sisters and 4 brothers to Phoenix, Arizona in 1943.
She attended St. Matthews Grammar School and St. Mary’s Girls Catholic High School. She also attended Arizona State Teachers College in Tempe Arizona (now Arizona State University).
Edye taught special education for high school students and later worked as a Title Officer for First American Title from where she retired.
She enjoyed playing bridge, sports and was passionate about genealogy and planning family reunions, a testament of her love to her entire extended family. She volunteered with many organizations over the years.
Her family & friends will remember her as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She is preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Helen Shepard, siblings; Raymond, Marie, Mary Lou, Joseph and Robert. She is survived by her twin brother Edward “Eddie” Shepard, her daughter Helene Gagliardi, her three sons; Michael Gagliardi Jr. and his wife Debbie, Phillip Gagliardi & his wife Natalie, Vince Gagliardi & his wife Tara, grandchildren: Gia, Marissa, Jordain, and Nicholas, along with many nieces and nephews.
A Rosary will be held on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Basilica, 231 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, AZ 85004. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix AZ 85008.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name to St. Mary’s Food Bank of Phoenix, AZ.
Rhonda Slater
I am so sorry for your loss Vince. But she is resting peacefully. If there is anything Melvin or I can do please don’t hesitate to give us a call
Diane Scalf
I didn’t know Edee very long, but the time I did I found her to be a loving and kind soul. She was always fun to be around and she would listen to what ever you needed to talk about. My thoughts and prayers go out to Vince and his family
Kelly Haman
Rocky, Natalie and Nico,
I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. Please accept our condolences and may our prayers help comfort you. We love you and are here for anything you may need xoxo
Jeanne Haman
I was sad to hear of Edye’s passing. But after reading her life story, I must say that she had a very meaningful life! I knew her through my family, and I will always remember her as a sweet and very thoughtful person, who gave so much of herself to others. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Edye, may you rest in peace.
Judy Lachner
I was extremely fortunate to get to know Edye well through the marriage of my daughter Natalie and her son Phillip. She was one of the most caring and sincere individuals that I have ever known. When Nico was born we alternated taking care of him while his parents worked. Edye would always make sure that Nico had children to play with, being an only child. She would even go to his friend’s home, if need be, to supervise them while playing. At Christmas she would go overboard with gifts showering him with love. That natural generosity was also displayed with everyone in her extended families. She loved the Lord and her warmth and light were always evident of her strong religious ties. She will be missed greatly by all of her family and friends. Without a doubt she is now in a great place, happy, healthy and whole.
Joy & Steen Rasmussen
We were deeply saddened to learn of Edye’s death
Please accept our sincerest sympathy on your loss.
We will always remember Edye from the Holiday get togethers
She was kind, loving with a good sense of humor. The nicest person to be around