Mary A Shepard

Mary A. Shepard of McCandless Twp., formerly of Ross Twp. passed peacefully with family at her side on Sunday, October 29, 2023. Mary lived a very full and blessed 94 years. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald. She is survived by her seven children: Mark (Carole), Craig (Kathy), Katie (Rick), Scott (Maria), John (Michelle), Paul and Brian. She was beloved by her 10 Grandchildren: Stephen (Molly), Kellen (Liz), Andrew (Maddie), Casie (James), Kelsey, Maureen (Ryan), Matthew, Savana (Nate), Bailey and Stephanie. She was delighted that she was able to welcome 6 great-grandchildren: Oliver, Mildred, Ayla, William, Josie, and Annie.

Mary was born in Mankato, MN on March 16, 1929. She was the oldest of six siblings, survived by only her sister Emmy Lou. She earned her RN diploma from The College of St. Catherine’s and began what would be a long and fulfilling nursing career in Chicago. She moved to Oakland, CA and met her husband, Don. After marrying in Oakland, they relocated to Pittsburgh and raised their family in Ross Twp. They were active members of the St. Sebastian Parish Community. Mary served as a lector, a Eucharistic Minister, Pastoral Council member and a very active member of The Ladies of Charity, eventually becoming the Diocesan President of the organization.

Despite the sometimes-chaotic life of raising 7 children and volunteering within her parish community, Mary never lost sight of her other vocation – nursing. She worked in numerous hospitals and nursing facilities before she found her true calling – pediatrics. A lifelong learner, Mary set an example of dedication for her family as she earned her BSN in nursing from LaRoche University at the age of 59. Mary retired after 15 years as the charge nurse at Children’s Hospital on the 11 pm – 7 am shift. During her retirement celebration it was a joy to hear the number of nurses and doctors who had admired Mary’s knowledge and dedication.

In retirement, Mary didn’t slow down. She was an associate of the Vincentian Sisters of Charity, and she established a volunteer snack shop at the Kane/Ross Twp site. The snack shop was a special part of Mary’s retirement years as she organized and ran the shop – with many a grandchild volunteering.

Mary spent her last 2 years at Sunrise of McCandless where she still found purpose and the opportunity to volunteer, starting a resident recycling program. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Sunrise for their love, care, and support of Mary – Deb, Hilary, and Kelci in particular, continued to honor her as a fellow nurse and Carrie, Gary and Bev supported her recycling efforts. The efforts of Commonwealth Hospice were also deeply appreciated.

The visitation for Mary will be at H.P Brandt Funeral Home, 1032 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 on Sunday, November 5 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. We invite everyone to celebrate Mary’s wonderful life on Monday, November 6 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, St. Sebastian Church, 311 Siebert Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh www.ccpgh.org or Light of Life Mission www.lightoflife.org.