In Memory of Elizabeth Jane Copsey Shepard
Jane Shepard passed away October 21, 2015 at her home after an extended illness. She was 83 years old. Jane was born April 13, 1932 in Kimberly, ID, the fifth of eight children of Elbert and Mae Copsey. They lived on farms in southern Idaho through her high school years. Jane left home to attend Northwest Christian College in Eugene, OR, where she graduated with a BA in Religious Education in 1955. While there, she met and married her lifetime partner of 56 years, Vance Shepard.
Jane and Vance lived in Eugene, Klamath Falls, and Portland, Oregon. They raised four children together, Jane taking an active role in their education and well-being. She was always an integral part of her local church community, Christian Church growing up and the Church of the Brethren after her marriage, serving on boards, committees, and as a deacon. Over the years she also worked with many religious and community organizations, holding offices with several on the local and national levels. These included Church Women United, PEO, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Intercultural Fellowship, Indochinese Cultural Center, Home Extension, and PTA, among others.
Jane loved to travel and took many international trips both for pleasure and as part of her work with ecumenical church women’s groups, often on peace- and justice-related projects. Her vacation travels took her to many locations in the US, as well as many countries throughout the world. At home, Jane loved nothing more than spending social time with family and friends, telling stories, playing games, and celebrating being together.
Jane was preceded in death by her husband Vance and grandson Christopher Bradley Shepard. She is survived by four sisters and her four children: Nancy Shepard (Bill Hirt) of Weed, CA; Lorie (Zsolt) Takacs of Indianapolis, IN; David (Susan) Shepard of McPherson, KS; and Allison Shepard of Portland, OR. She also leaves nine grandchildren and a large extended family.
A memorial service will be held at Peace Church of the Brethren on Saturday, November 7, at 2:00pm. The church is at 12727 SE Market St. in Portland. Any contributions in Jane’s memory can be made to Peace Church of the Brethren or to Camp Myrtlewood, at the Church’s address.