Obituary of Elizabeth (Elsie) Marie SHEPHERD (nee Mente)

August 10, 1932 – Calgary, Alberta
January 15, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that the family of Elizabeth (Elsie) Marie Shepherd of Calgary, AB announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother on Friday, January 15, 2021 at the age of 88 years.

Elsie was born and raised in Calgary, AB, and in 1955 she married the love of her life, William (Bill) Shepherd.  In 1973 they started a family-owned business, Shepherd Bulk Carriers Ltd., which they successfully owned and operated until Bill’s passing in 1990.

Elsie was a member of St. Gerard’s Catholic Parish where she sang in the choir from 1967 to 2013. She was also a member of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL), the Austrian Canadian Society, and an Associate Member of both the Royal Canadian Legion and the Royal Canadian Naval Association. She volunteered for the Calgary District Hospital Group in their Teddy Bear Program for sick kids.

In addition to her love of music, Elsie also enjoyed fine dining, traveling and spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her most memorable trips included an Alaskan cruise with Bill, a vacation to Austria with her brother Rube, and a Mexican Riviera cruise with her loving family and dear friend, Harriet.

Elsie will be lovingly remembered for her kindness, her big hugs, her wonderful sense of humor and her beautiful smile.

Elsie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Marina (Kelly) Moad of Langdon, AB; grandchildren, Amber Streukens of Nelson, BC, David (Kyla) Shepherd of Calgary, AB, Michael Streukens of Calgary, AB, and William Shepherd of Calgary, AB; and great-grandchildren, Delbert and Barrett Boehm-Streukens of Nelson, BC.

Elsie was predeceased by her husband Bill in 1990, infant daughter Leah in 1957, son Timothy in 2018; her parents, Frieda Gratzer-Mente in 2001 and Michael Mente in 1955; and her brother Ruben Mente in 2008, and sister-in-law Thelma Mente earlier this year.

Elsie will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. “YOUR FLOCK WILL MISS YOU, YOU ARE OUR SHEPHERD AND WE WILL LOVE YOU ALWAYS”

A private family Funeral Mass will be held and Elsie will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Elsie’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

The family would like to thank the staff at Revera Evergreen and Dr. Debasish Das for their amazing care and compassion.

In living memory of Elizabeth Shepherd, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.