Dorothy M. Shepherd died on March 3rd after a brief illness. She was 94 and had recently been living at The Victorian, in Chatham, MA.
Dorothy was born on August 22, 1924 in Northampton, MA, the oldest of three children, to Emmanuel and Bertha Samms. She grew up in Florence, MA and graduated from Northampton High School in 1942. The following winter she met the love of her life while attending a dance. Jim Shepherd was an Army Air Corps Master Sergeant who had been transferred to Amherst College for officer training. They were married in December 1943 and only had a few months together before Jim was sent back to England.
They were reunited at the end of World War II and lived for a short time in Washington State. The couple and their young children returned to Northampton in 1953 and lived in the area through most of their 67 years of marriage.
Dorothy worked in downtown Northampton for much of her career, first for the Northampton Credit Bureau and then for many years as a dental assistant for Dr. Abel Ross. She was a fixture on Main Street and seemed to know everyone who worked there.
She and Jim loved Northampton and they had a wide circle of friends and relatives and were both active in St. John's Episcopal Church. They enjoyed golf, boating, and exploring Western Massachusetts. They were also avid downhill skiers and skied together regularly into their 80's.
Dorothy was pre-deceased by her husband Jim, sister Virginia Duda and brother Donald Samms. She is survived by daughter Wendy Shepherd and her husband Herb Nickles of Harwich Port, MA, and son Jim Shepherd and his wife Anne Besse-Shepherd of Vineyard Haven, MA. She was devoted to her five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and her extended family.
A memorial service will be held at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Chatham at the convenience of the family.
For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dot was a very special lady. She was so kind and helpful to all who knew her. She meant so much to me. I will miss her so much.
Nancy Lehfeldt
March 19, 2019
The Richards girls were saddened to read about Dot's passing. We all have fond memories of Dot and Jim, always such a glamorous couple, from St. John's church. (Dot was the ONLY positive part of our trips to Dr. Ross's office!) Sending hugs from Charlotte, Linda, Holly, and Carol.
March 18, 2019
Dear Wendy & Family
We were so sorry to read in this mornings paper that Dot had passed away. We have such good memories of Dot & Jim. They were such great neighbors.
Sincerely,
Joe, Kathy & Meggan Gilboy
Kathy Gilboy
March 16, 2019
I've missed Dot at St. John's Episcopal Church here in Northampton. Indeed a lovely lady and she and Jim were such fixtures here in my recent memories. My sympathies to you her family, and I can trust that she is at peace with her beloved Jim.
Lee Tonet
March 16, 2019
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
March 13, 2019
A wonderful lady. I always enjoyed talking clocks with her and hearing stories about her dad.
Gary Sienkiewicz
March 12, 2019
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
The Staff of Nickerson Funeral Home
March 11, 2019
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