Marion Shepherd

In loving memory of Marion Shepherd, age 97, of Wayne, she entered into eternal life on Sunday, April 6, 2025.

She was born in Waterbury, Connecticut to Harold and Marion Connelly.  Marion graduated from Watertown High School, Waterbury, CT with the class of 1946.

Marion graduated from the Saint Joseph’s Hospital Nursing School in Paterson. She began her career at Barnert Hospital in Paterson. While raising her four children, Marion worked for Dr. Brogan on Broadway in Paterson. Once her children were older, she returned to nursing at Barnert Hospital, where she continued working until her retirement in 1993.

Marion married the love of her life, Vance, on February 14, 1953, at St. Mary’s Church in Oakville, Connecticut. Their marriage was a true partnership, blessed with four children: Margaret, Patricia, Phyllis, and Paula. They made their home in Wayne, New Jersey, where they raised their family and spent all their married years together. After retiring, Marion and Vance enjoyed traveling extensively across the United States, creating lasting memories along the way. Their loving union endured for fifty-six wonderful years until Vance’s passing in November of 2009.

Marion was a vibrant and spirited woman with a sharp mind and a deep love for reading. She read extensively and never missed a day without going through the newspaper, staying informed and engaged with the world around her. A loyal viewer of Bill O’Reilly and Fox News, she had strong opinions and wasn’t shy about sharing them—her fiery Irish temper made sure of that. Marion was also a devoted New Jersey Devils fan, cheering on her team with passion and sometimes a beer. In quieter moments, she found joy in watching classic old movies, appreciating the timeless charm of Hollywood’s golden era.

Marion had a lifelong love for dogs, and over the years, she shared her heart and home with several beloved Beagles, including Dandy, Dutchess, Henry, and Dylan; and each one held a special place in her life, bringing her endless joy, companionship, and laughter. In more recent years, she proudly became the devoted dog mom of her Dachshund, Jake, who was her loyal and loving companion. Her deep bond with her dogs was a constant source of comfort and happiness, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Marion was the loving wife of the late Vance G. Shepherd (d. 11/8/2009); she was the devoted mother of Margaret Shepherd, Patricia and her husband Emmett McDowell, Phyllis Bogart, and Paula Shepherd; cherished grandmother of Erin and her husband Leonidas Anagnostopoulos, Charlie Bogart, Elizabeth McDowell, and Meghan McDowell; she was also the loved sister of James Connelly and the loved cousin of Lynn and her husband Dick Timas.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad would be greatly appreciated.