Jan Margaret Sheppard

Jan Margaret (nee: Francis) Sheppard, age 69, resident of Racine passed away from complications of ALS with her family at her side at Ascension-All Saints Hospital early Friday, April 9, 2021. Jan was born in Racine on November 16, 1951 to Arthur and Helen (nee: Husz) Francis. Jan married the love of her life, Richard Sheppard and they raised three wonderful boys together. Jan was an avid bowler, beader, and sewer; hobbies she shared with a group of amazing friends. Jan was a beautician by trade, and even after she left her work at the salon to raise her boys, she made time to exercise her skills at home for family and friends. While the boys were growing up, she enjoyed her time at home with them; sewing homemade Halloween costumes, reading, playing and sharing her knowledge of sewing, cooking, and even crocheting. Jan was a talented baker; baking Christmas cookies every year and making wedding cakes for relatives. As each of her boys grew up and got married, she welcomed her three daughters-in-law with open arms, loving each of them as if they were her own. Jan welcomed two beautiful grandchildren, both of whom she adored and enjoyed spending time with. Jan had a loving and fun personality that was much larger than her small stature. She usually had a smile on her face, and so did anyone lucky enough to spend time with her. She will be missed dearly and remembered fondly. Jan was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), Lou Gehrig’s Disease in late 2019. Even with such devastating news, Jan managed to see the bright side of life, and kept smiling throughout the challenges her disease brought her. Jan was preceded in death by her loving parents, Arthur Francis and Helen Francis Brien. She is survived by her husband of nearly 47 years, Richard, their three children Mark (Rachel) Sheppard, Nicholas (Hannah) Sheppard, and Adam (Stacy) Sheppard, and her grandchildren Zooey and Ferris Sheppard. Jan is also survived by her siblings; Jay (Deborah) Francis, Joan (Jim) Dahlen, Jean (Andy) Medzis and Josephine (Tom) Baltes as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Private funeral services were held on April 15th, 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jan’s memory to the ALS Foundation online at www.als.org. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors and staff at Froedtert ALS Clinic as well as ICU doctors and staff at Ascension-All Saints Hospital. Your excellent care and compassion will not be forgotten.

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Jan Margaret Sheppard

November 16, 1951 - April 9, 2021