Sunday, 18 Feb 2018
We are saddened to announce the passing of our Mom and Nan, Margery Shepherd, at the age of 95, surrounding by loving family, on Sunday, February 18,2018 at Coquihalla / Gillis House in Merritt, BC. Margery was born on May 13,1922 in London England, the youngest of six children of William and Gertrude Wharram. Her first job was with Peek Freans in London, which may explain her love of biscuits and tea. During WW2, she joined the British Army's Auxiliary Territorial Service and met her future husband, Frank Shepherd, a Canadian soldier. Margery sailed from Southampton to Canada in 1947 to marry Frank, moving to Merritt in 1952, where she raised her two children, Gail and Terry. Her mothering did not end after her children left home. Nan acted as a 'second Mom' to her grandson Ryan during hie early years. The two were inseparable. Margery was well known in the community for her volunteer activities. She served as President of the Merritt Minor Hockey Association, President of the Kinette Club, and Secretary of the Boy Cubs and Boy Scouts. She was named Merritt's Citizen of Year in 1969 in recognition of her volunteerism and service to the youth of the community. Her service to the community continued in her later years, turning her love of knitting into donations to Nicola Valley General Hospital and Canuck Place Children's Hospice. Margery is survived by her daughter and son in law Gail and Dwight Reynoldson of Merritt BC., son and daughter in law Terry and Joanie Shepherd of Duncan BC., four grandchildren (Ryan, Jillian, Megan and Allison) and great grandson (Nathan, son of Ryan and his wife Katy). She was preceded by her husband Frank, her Mother and Father, her four sisters (Maude, Rose, Lily and Elsie) and her brother (George). Despite being in Canada for more than 70 years, 'home' was always England, and she remained extremely close to her extended family there. Following her wishes, Margery will soon be going home for the last time, to be laid to rest beside her mother and father in the London Borough of Southwark. Mom will be remembered as a loving, giving person, who never asked for anything in return. She will be dearly missed. The Family would like to thank Mom's Wednesday morning coffee friends for their support through the years, and the staff of Coquihalla / Gillis House for their loving care, especially the comfort and dignity afforded her during her final days. Should friends desire, donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the charity of their choice.
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