Judith Shepherd Peduto

News Death Notice

SHEPHERD, Judith Judith Shepherd Peduto a member of The Shepherd Sisters, as well as an Eileen Ford Model, and the founder of Judith Shepherd, Inc., an agency representing New Yorks leading commercial photographers, died on July 10 in La Quinta, California. She was born in Middletown, Ohio, the youngest of the eight children born to Stephen Douglas and Pearl Shepherd. Together with three of her sisters, Mary Lou, Martha, and Gayle, Judith made a serious mark in the rock world of the 1950s, singing hits such as "Alone Why Must I Be Alone", and appearing with Phil and Don Everly, Paul Anka, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chubby Checker, and Fats Domino. WABC deejay, Jim Nettleton, wrote that "with their All-American looks, energetic but basically conservative stage style and memorable sound, The Shepherd Sisters helped legitimize early rocknroll and their place in the music form is as important as it is secure." In the 1960s, Judith made her way to New York City where, with her dazzling beauty and straightforward charm, she became one of the first models to sign with Eileen Ford. From then until moving to La Quinta in 2007, Judith Shepherd was a city girl who made Manhattan her home for forty years. It was there she met her husband, Patrick Peduto, and where she founded the agency that bore her name. Judith Shepherd, Inc. made its formidable reputation promoting and representing photographers such as Peter Turner,Alan Brooks, and Barry Seidman. A natural leader, Judith served as President of the Society of Photographers and Artists Representatives, and was a Board Member of the Joint Ethics Committee. Of her many accomplishments, it was her role as a mother to her son Ron for which she would wish to be remembered. She is survived by him, as well as daughter-in-law, Renee; her husband, Patrick Peduto; sisters, Maybel, Mildred, Mary Lou, Gayle, and eleven nieces and nephews. She was proceeded by her parents Stephen Douglas and Pearl Shepherd; brothers Dorsey and Paul; and sister Martha. A private family memorial is being planned in Ohio this August.