Jeannine A. Shepard

Jeannine A. Shepard, 84, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at her home on Oneida Lake. The daughter of the late Howard and Veronica Wright, she grew up in the East Syracuse area. She graduated from East Syracuse High School in 1955 and continued meeting several former classmates for monthly lunches. Jeannine built a home for her family in Canastota with her late husband, Bill, and for many years, they maintained a winter residence in Lady Lake, Florida.

Everyone knew Jeannine as the most gracious and generous hostess for any and all celebrations. Every day was a holiday when Jeannine was opening her home — Canadian weekends, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, and many more. She organized many summer trips to Lake Ontario that will always be treasured by her family and friends. Jeannine had a passion for reading, playing Scrabble, and baking daily. In her later years, the baking was replaced with her daily “serving” of vanilla ice cream.

Jeannine was an ideal homemaker, leaving her job at the NY Telephone Company to raise her children. She worked part time as a baker and was awarded Waitress of The Year — she proudly served the community at several different restaurants.

Jeannine spent most of her time volunteering for Make-A-Wish Foundation, North Area Meals on Wheels, in schools, and churches. A longtime communicant of St. Margaret’s Church in Mattydale, Jeannine volunteered as a Eucharistic Minister, worked the Fish Fries, Bingo, and numerous other events. She spent winters in Water Oaks where she was a member of The New Yorkers Club, Red Hats, and the WOVA. She was always involved!

Jeannine was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, William A. Shepard in February, their sons: Daniel in June, James in 2003, and daughter-in-law, Judith in 2011. She leaves behind three children: Mark Shepard of Mattydale, Steve (Melissa) Shepard of Auburn and Sharon (Paul) Byrns of Syracuse; daughter-in-law, Cheri Shepard of North Syracuse; 9 grandchildren: Mitchell, Stacy (Benjamin), Amber (Ryan), Cara, Amanda, Karissa, Grace, Jacob, and Steven; 5 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Contributions in Jeannine’s memory may be made to North Area Meals on Wheels, 413 Church Street, North Syracuse, NY 13212.

Friends may call on Friday, November 5th from 4:00 -7:00 pm at Krueger Funeral Home, 2619 Brewerton Road, Mattydale, NY 13211. Funeral Services will begin on Saturday at 10:00 am at the funeral home with burial following in North Syracuse Cemetery.