Bertha SHEPPARD

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

SHEPPARD: Bertha Florence Sheppard passed away on September 20, 2012 after a brief illness. Born in New Harbour, Trinity Bay, Newfoundland on February 21, 1926, Bertha was the youngest of 4 children. As a child she loved books, had a thirst for knowledge, and did extremely well in school. Unfortunately, her father passed away and she was forced to quit school before she had planned, and went to work to help support her family. Newfoundland was part of the British Commonwealth at that time. Bertha was a very proficient knitter, embroiderer and crocheter. She was contracted by Mary Maxim to produce their sample items. At the age of 18, Bertha moved to St. John's and found employment as a housemaid. It was in St. John's that she met her future husband, Calvin Sheppard. They were married in 1945. Calvin was enlisted in the Newfoundland Army Regiment and later into the Canadian Armed Forces. In 1952 he was posted to Winnipeg. He went on ahead, and Bertha followed by boat and a very, long train journey with five children under the age of 7. It was in Winnipeg that the sixth member of the family was born but passed away at the age of 21 months. In 1957 Calvin was posted to CFB Shilo. Having been uprooted from the city of Winnipeg, she felt isolated and homesick upon her arrival by train to Douglas and then Shilo. It took her awhile to adjust and settle into rural prairie life. Bertha worked at the Officers Mess in Shilo and the Brandon Woolen Mills for a number of years. In 1972 she worked at the Brandon General Hospital in the housekeeping department until her retirement in 1988. Bertha enjoyed reading, knitting, gardening and listening to CBC radio. She was able to enjoy and visit with her family who were living all across Canada. Bertha and Calvin also made many trips back to Newfoundland to renew old acquaintances and family ties. After the death of her husband, Bertha moved to Colonial Estates in Brandon, Manitoba. Six years passed when health issues forced her to move to Fairview Personal Care Home until her passing. Bertha is survived by her children: Vivian (Brian) Cyr of Winnipeg, MB; Chesley (Karen) Sheppard of Shilo, MB; Neil (Barbara) Sheppard of Red Deer, AB; Sharon (Pierre) Rioux of Quebec City and Brian Sheppard of Brandon, MB; eleven grandchildren; twenty- three great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by husband Calvin Sheppard; daughterMargaret Grace; parents William John Clarke and Agnes (Pinsent) Clarke; brother George Clarke; sisters Edna Clarke and Mary-Ellen Higden. Bertha's funeral service was held at Memories Chapel on Tuesday, September 25, 2012. Rev. Barb Jardine officiated. Urn Bearer was Chesley Sheppard. Interment followed in the Veteran's Section of the Brandon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bertha may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 3-824 18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 5B7. Bertha will be greatly missed and will forever remain in our hearts.Mom, we love you. Rest in peace.Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 29, 2012