Mrs. Edna F. Shepherd, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 23, 2024 at the age of 93 at Mount St. Rita’s Health Centre. Born in Boston, MA, she was the daughter of the late Dorothea (Simpson) Yeo and Rev. George E. Yeo. She was the devoted wife to the late Rev. Raymond D. Shepherd for 74 years.
Edna and Ray were longtime residents of Cumberland, RI. They lived in West Medway, MA for many years and also lived in Milford, MA.
Edna grew up in Quincy, MA. She was the oldest of nine children. She graduated from Quincy High School. After high school she worked for Liberty Mutual in Boston. She also worked for several years at Happy Hollow Kindergarten/Nursery School located in Medway, MA.
Edna was a devoted Christian, a woman of boundless kindness, and a source of love and strength to all who knew her. She spent her life serving the Lord, her family, and her community with grace and unwavering dedication. She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Woonsocket where she shared her immense talent and love for the Lord through her music. As a gifted soloist, pianist and organist, she played and sang for countless church services, filling the hearts of those around her with the peace and joy that only music can bring. Her ministry through music was a reflection of her deep faith and devotion to God. Edna continued to play a keyboard at the Mount St. Rita’s Health Centre. She filled the halls with lovely gospel music until her passing.
A talented seamstress, Edna had a special gift for creating and repairing clothing. She lovingly made countless beautiful garments for friends, family, and the church. Whether it was crafting a quilt, sewing a dress, or providing alterations, her work was always done with care, skill, and a heart full of generosity. She found joy in sharing her talents, and her hands touched many lives with love.
Above all, Edna was a woman of faith. She believed in the power of prayer and was a steady example of Christian love, kindness, and compassion. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she lived out the teachings of Christ every day through her acts of service and her caring spirit. She cherished teaching Sunday school, instilling faith and wisdom in countless young hearts. Her legacy of love will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Left to cherish her memory are her six children, Faith Guiney of Franklin, MA, Edmund (Diana) Shepherd of Mesa, AZ, Deborah (David) Galdun of Millville, DE, Raymond (Carol) Shepherd of Sutton, MA, Stephen (Tina) Shepherd of Queen Creek, AZ and David Shepherd of Cumberland, RI; grandchildren, Carl (Jessica) Guiney, Jr., Heather (Jeff) Pubols, Ashley (David) Restrick, Scott (Kimberly) Shepherd, Christy (Cyrus) Ferri, Amy (Randy) Richardson, Aaron Brancatelli, Kelly (Jason) Delgado, Ryan (Jenny) Shepherd, Netanya Shepherd, Michael Shepherd and Daniel Shepherd; great-grandchildren, Grace Guiney, Aaron Guiney, Benjamin Guiney, Cooper Shepherd, Matthew Ferri, Mark Ferri, Michael Ferri, Jonathan Ferri, Daniela Gonzales, Jenna Brancatelli, Christina Brancatelli, Gavin Delgado, Arianna Delgado, Abram Shepherd, Brynn Shepherd, Cash Shepherd, Delaney Shepherd and, Zoey Shepherd. She is also survived by her sister, Beulah “Kitty” Giannotti and her brother, George D. Yeo and many nieces and nephews. Edna was predeceased by her son-in-law, Rev. Carl Guiney, Sr. and her siblings, John Yeo, Thomas Yeo, Stephen Yeo, Rachel Eaton, Ruth O’Donnell and Miriam Saad.
Though she is no longer with us, we take comfort in knowing she is in the presence of her Savior, where she will continue to live in peace and joy. We will miss her deeply, but we know that her love, her faith, and her legacy will live on in our hearts forever.
A Service will be held at Ginley-Crowley Funeral Home, ginleyfuneralhomes.com . 3 Barber Street, Medway, MA on Friday, January 3 at 11:00 a.m. A calling hour will precede the service at 10:00 a.m. There will be a private burial service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mrs. Edna Shepherd’s memory to First Assembly of God Church, 420 Mendon Road, Woonsocket, RI 02895.