Leah L. Shepard

Leah L. Shepard, 94, or Port Charlotte passed away April 6, 2014. Born June 28, 1919 in Burlington, VT, she was one of twin girls born to Napoleon and Luciena (Olivier) Lavigne. She wed Eugene Shepard on April 27, 1943 in Winooski, VT. They were happily married until Gene passed away on Jan. 24, 2008. One of their great passions was dancing, and, at age 94, she was still able to dance, most recently at the latest Christmas party at The Courtyard ALF in Deep Creek. She was also an avid bingo player. Leah will be remembered as a beloved mother, "Memere Shep," sister, and Lavigne family matriarch. She will be greatly missed by her children, Roland "Ron" Ferguson and Claire (Philip "Tom") Couture, both of Port Charlotte, Joanne Murray of North Port, Bernard (Amie) Shepard of Mt. Jackson, VA, David Shepard and Anita Sexton, both of Colchester, VT, Marion (Donald) Chartrand of Charlotte, VT; 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren, Autumn, Sophie, and Finnegan; sister, Jeannette (Robert) Chicoine of Putnam, CT; brothers, Arthur (Dorothy) Lavigne of Colchester, VT, and Paul (Kay) Lavigne of Woodstock, ST. Her in-laws, theresa Lavalette of St. George, VT, Neil ( Barbara) Shepard of Colchester, VT, Gerald (Darlene) Shepard of Winooski, VT, Douglas Shepard, Lynn (Ann) Shepard of Williston, VT; and all her friends at The Courtyard ALF. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Angela; three sisters and two brothers. A memorial service will be held in Vermont this summer. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice, 1144 Veronica St, Port Charlotte, FL 33952. To express condolences to the family, please sign the online guest book.