Irene "Mary" Evelyn (Mitchell) Shepherd

With sadness, our family announces the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Irene Mary Evelyn Shepherd (née Mitchell), on Sunday, June 29, 2025.

Mary was born on April 8, 1926, in Brandon, Manitoba. Born with jaundice, the attending doctor didn’t expect her to survive—but she defied that early prognosis, living a long life including celebrating her 99th birthday. 

She was predeceased by her parents, Andrew and Edith Mitchell; her six siblings; her husband, Jack Shepherd; and two sons-in-law, Arnold Mackie and Jeff Jackson.

Mary is lovingly remembered by her daughters: Barb Shepherd (Phil Mueller), Sheila Mackie, Cindy Ziegler (Jack Ziegler), and Susan Shepherd. While her daughters always knew how much she loved them, there was no denying that when the grandchildren came along, it felt like we had been moved to the second row of the theatre. Her seven grandchildren—Jodi Welikoklad (Jason), Casey Ziegler (Allison), Dean Mackie (Kylie), Cliff Stefanuk (Melissa), Leanna Allemand (Jason), Derek Stefanuk (Jeanette), and Shawn Mackie (Jill)—brought her immense joy.

It was her fifteen great-grandchildren who truly lit up her life. She delighted in watching them dance, ride, race, play hockey, and show cattle and horses—supporting their many passions with heartfelt pride and $100 donations to their causes. 

Mary grew up on a farm near Souris, Manitoba. She often said she "likely" would have finished Grade 12, but with World War II in full swing and many young men off to war, opportunities for employment were plentiful. She took a job at the Brandon Mental Hospital for $50 a month, which seemed more exciting than finishing school. In October 1944, she joined the Canadian Women’s Army Corps (CWAC), drawn by the promise of better pay and travel. She was discharged from active duty in 1946.

After the war, Mary moved to Regina, where she worked for the Government of Canada in the income tax office and spent her evenings working at the popular Trianon Ballroom. It was while in Regina that her friend Florence introduced her to Jack Shepherd, a WWII veteran recovering from tuberculosis at the Fort Qu’Appelle Sanitorium.

Mary and Jack were married on November 11, 1949, in Regina. They took over the family ranch in the West Plains District of southwestern Saskatchewan, where they raised their four daughters. Mary was active in the community as a member of the Oxarat Ladies Club and the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She often expressed frustration that women who served in the military were not granted full Legion membership until the 1960s and had to join the ladies’ auxiliary instead.

In the early 1970s, Mary and Jack moved to Maple Creek.  Never one to sit still, Mary began working at the Maple Creek Hospital, where she was employed until her retirement in 1991. She built a strong network of friends in Maple Creek and they enjoyed travelling to curling and figure skating events.

One of the greatest highlights of her life was a trip to the Netherlands in 1995 for the 50th Anniversary of D-Day. Canadian veterans were invited by the Dutch government and Jack and Mary were billeted with a young family with three children. Despite the age difference, the two couples became fast friends. That bond endured through the years, with visits back and forth between Canada and the Netherlands.

Our family is deeply grateful to all those who cared for Mom over the years. Words cannot fully express our appreciation for your dedication, kindness, and compassion. She passed away peacefully, having lived and long and productive life, and for that, we are truly thankful.

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