Reta (Garside) Shepherd, 79, died peacefully, December 4, 2020 at home surrounded by her family, after a 10- year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
She was born October 2, 1941 in Nashua, the daughter of the late Frederick and Madeline Garside. She grew up in Hudson and was a graduate of Alvirne High School class of 1959. In 1960, Reta married her soulmate Art who was also from Hudson. Together they ran Arthur Shepherd Heating & Air-conditioning. Prior to this she worked in the office at Benson’s Wild Animal Farm and Sanders Associates, Inc. Later in life, Reta worked in the medical records department of Hitchcock Clinic in Hudson.
In retirement she and Art moved to Litchfield for 10 years but then returned to the family home in Hudson for the rest of her years.
Reta is survived by her husband Art of 60 years. Their four children: Jeff Shepherd and wife Tracy of Weare, NH, Randy Shepherd and husband Keith Emerson of Tucson, AZ, Brian Shepherd and wife Tina of New Hampton, NH and daughter Jodi Schroeder and husband Scott of Strafford, NH; seven grandchildren: Leslie Bope, Jessica Shepherd, Kyle Shepherd, Abbey Shepherd, Jeffrey Shepherd, Tyler Schroeder and Samantha Schroeder; one great-grandchild: Dakota Dimeo.
Her siblings: Sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Gene Otis, sister Irene Valcourt; brother and sister-in-law Fred and Cynthia Garside; brother-in-law Walter Weibrecht; and brother and sister-in-law Alan and Linda Garside.
She was predeceased by her parents Frederick and Madeline (Hackett) Garside; brother and sister-in-law Gene and Carol Garside; brother David Garside and brother-in-law Leon Valcourt.
Reta loved spending time with her family. The family cherishes memories of camping, her dancing, family vacations, and playing cards together. She was an avid Bingo player and she and Art spent the winter months in Las Vegas playing Bingo.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to: Cathy Daniels APRN and the entire team at Generations Geriatric Mental Health, Amedisys Hospice, and Dr. Sathyanarayana Ravi of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Hudson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Reta’s memory to Amedisys Foundation or Alzheimer’s Association.
The family will hold a celebration of Reta’s life at a later date.
The FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua is assisting the family with arrangements. www.farwellfuneralservice.com
