Grafton – Ellen Mary (Dee) Shepherd passed away peacefully Sunday, July 30, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving family. Ellen was born on September 5, 1939, in Worcester, the daughter of the late John and Florence Dee of Worcester.
Ellen was married to Worcester native Robert S. Shepherd on September 7, 1957, at the young age of 18. She was predeceased by Robert in 2005. She leaves her daughter Mary E. Fritz and her husband Ed of Grafton; and her four sons: John D. Shepherd and his wife Mary of Holden, R. Mark Shepherd and his wife Maria of Winchester, Patrick F. Shepherd and his wife Mary Lou of Georgia, and James M. Shepherd and his wife Marie of Oxford. Her eleven grandchildren and their significant others were her world. She was known as Nan, Ahmi and Gramma to Samuel Shepherd and his wife Sunny, Nicholas Fritz, West Shepherd and his wife Alissa, Mitchell Shepherd, Jonathan Fritz and partner Eliza, Meagan Shepherd, Sydney Shepherd, Kathleen Shepherd, Alex Shepherd, Max Shepherd and Shelby Shepherd. Her most recent joys were her two great-grandchildren Stokes and Sonoma Shepherd. Ellen was the nucleus of her family and was able to bring everyone together with her amazing and extravagant dinners.
While raising five children, Ellen also helped her husband run the family electrical engineering firm, Shepherd Engineering, Inc. She was an integral part of the firm’s success over the years. Ellen also lived a life of service and showed her children the importance of caring for others. Her greatest passion was to assist and support the women of Abby’s House in Worcester. She was mindful of the blessings she was given and wanted to extend herself to those in need. Ellen was tiny in stature, but mighty with love and compassion.
Ellen was an avid world traveler. She visited all seven continents and experienced so many exotic adventures. She loved to cook, read, and always had an affinity for learning new things. She was a proud participant and sponsor to others in AA for the past 37-years. Most recently she enjoyed her daily visits to the Grafton Senior Center where she participated in yoga, exercise and walking the track. She most enjoyed her time spent with the staff and her friends in the center.
A private celebration of Ellen’s life will be held by the family at a later date.
The family suggest donations in Ellen’s name be made to Abby’s House, 52 High Street Worcester, MA 01609 or the Grafton Senior Center, 30 Providence Road, Grafton, MA 01519.
The Roney Funeral Home of North Grafton assisted with arrangements.
