It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carmen Shepherd (née Lalonde) on August 19, 2024, at Health Sciences North at the age of 76, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband Larry Shepherd, her son Dan Shepherd (Patty), daughter in law Stephanie (Carmen’s son Eric Predeceased August 23, 2023), her older sister Paulette Thibault (Laurent), her younger brother Michel Lalonde (Helen) and sister-in-law Arlene Lalonde (Denis Predeceased). She is also survived by 4 grandchildren Hunter, Alexandrea, Maxine (Kevin) and Emilee (Paulo) and 2 great grandchildren Emma Rae and Avianna.
Carmen is remembered for her courage in dealing with her lifelong battle with Lupus, Arthritis and kidney problems.
Her passion for music gave her the ability to play various instruments and write many songs which she recorded to share with friends and family. She also loved theatre, where she would write and perform funny skits where everyone could see her creativity and her “joie de vivre”.
We will greatly miss her unfailing good humor in the face of life’s trials.
Many thanks go out to the staff at Extendicare Countryside who took care of her for the last month of her life, her exceptional physician at Extendicare, Dr. Roch, and the HSN Nursing Staff who took care of Carmen during her last days.
The Celebration of Life to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations made directly to the Kidney Foundation in Carmen’s memory would be appreciated by family https://kidney.ca/.
I’m so sorry to hear about Mme Shepherd passing. She was one of my favourite teachers at Valleyview in the 90s. She encouraged my love of music, and also taught the most interesting history class I ever took because she was so interested in the subject, she made it come alive. I still have a CD of her songs. My sympathy to her loved ones, she touched a lot of lives and I’m sure she will be missed.
September 5, 2024
My condolences, Larry. I had hoped to reach out to you in person, but I have lost your phone number. Please reach out when you can…
September 5, 2024
Sending sincere condolences on behalf of the Potvin family :(. It would be impossible to ever forget Mme Shepherd’s extraordinarily bright spirit, kindness and generosity. I was amazed as a young child to have Danny and Eric’s mom come and present a play in our little school (Immaculée Conception) in the 70’s. I sang her bidibidibocalo song to my children and to my grandchild today and think of her every time. Her light will definitely live on in our memories.
September 2, 2024
Dear Larry and Family, My heartfelt condolences to all of you. I have wonderful memories as we shared our teen years together but as it happens so often – we lost touch. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Angels around you!
August 31, 2024
My deepest sympathy to Larry and the family. My thoughts are with you during this very difficult time.
August 28, 2024
My greatest sympathies. Although I only knew her for a few short months over two decades ago, I’ll never forget the impact of her joyfulness when teaching my grade 2 class her original songs for a concert.
August 27, 2024
My heart goes out to the family and friends of this beautiful lady!
I’ve had the pleasure of spending hundreds of hours in recording studio with her often funny music.
Going to miss this gal!
August 27, 2024
My condolences to Carmen’s family. I have not seen Carmen for many years but she was my son’s music teacher at Valleyview PS in the early 90s and she had written a song for him to perform on his violin for a school play. Through knowing her as a teacher, she became my piano teacher. She had invented a playing by ear system for piano which I am still using. She had also provided me with a huge selection of music for pop songs that I knew and can now play. She was a vibrant and talented person and I consider myself fortunate to have known her.
August 27, 2024