Jane Shepherd

Jane Louise Shepherd, 97, died December 15, 2024 at Bear Creek Assisted Living in Colorado Springs where she spent the last year and a half of her life. She was surrounded by her family and friends. Whether they were far away or in the same room, they were all with her as they spoke to her one last time.

Jane was born to Goldie Derr in Danville, PA in 1927, but always considered herself a Marylander. At 3 months old, she was adopted by Fred and Margaret Mitman, who provided a loving home that left her with many fond memories. Her birth mother, Goldie, later married George Rodwell, who loved Jane unconditionally and later became a great, caring grandfather to Jane’s children. Jane married Henry B. Shepherd Jr in 1949 and they had 2 children, Henry (Hank)III and Mary-Lynn, before divorcing in 1956.

Jane worked for attorney Ed Stillman in Cleveland, Ohio for 13 years, even though she knew nothing about being a legal secretary. She said he always took the time to explain everything to her and she felt she learned more from him than anyone else in her life.

She was also an executive secretary for Cadillac and Lake City Railroad in Colorado Springs. She spent the remainder of her career until retirement as an executive secretary for Colorado Springs Utilities at the Ray Nixon Power Plant, where she made lifelong friends. She was proud of her strong work ethic.

Jane persevered through many hardships in her life: cancer, breaking her back more than once, macular degeneration, the death of her daughter, etc. She said that things are never so bad that you just give up. She could always see the humor and irony in things. She often took in “strays”, whether it was one of her beloved cats or someone who needed a helping hand. She “paid it forward” and it came back to her in the end.

Jane is survived by her son, Henry/Hank III Shepherd (Sharon) in Fort Pierce, FL; grandchildren Stacy Bennett (Scott), Samantha Bordonali (Michael), and H.B., all in Florida. She is also survived by grandchildren Brent Rust Belforti (Stacey) in New Hampshire and Sarah Rust Montowski (Chris) in Alaska, as well as numerous great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren and too many friends to list. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary-Lynn Belforti (Steve).

Jane maintained her sharp mind, quick wit and sass to the end. We will always remember the sarcastic and witty T shirts she wore daily. We would like to thank Pikes Peak Hospice for their help the last week of her life and all of the wonderful caregivers and staff at Bear Creek for their loving care. No services will be held at Jane’s request.

In her memory, please consider a donation to the Humane Society of your choice.