Ann Sheppard

On January 19, 2026, Ann (Schlesinger) Sheppard was taken too soon from the many she touched with her love, inner beauty, and sweet way of being. She died after a brain hemorrhage, within a circle of love formed by tear-stained family members.

Ann was born between the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain in Plattsburgh, NY on October 26, 1941, to Caroline J. (Schiff) and Leonard Schlesinger, M.D. After becoming a Californian in 1976, she attached herself to new mountains and waters, always deriving wonder and pleasure from Nature's gifts. She loved art in all forms, especially music.

Her musical gift and much practice brought her to study piano at Oberlin Conservatory before she turned to achieving a B.A. in French literature from Smith College, which led to research in 18th-century French literature at Cornell University. In 1965, Ann married Asher Sheppard, and together they raised three children. As a mom, she gave her children the individualized attention, encouragement, and freedom that allowed them to forge their own paths.

For more than two decades, she was an exceptional teacher of elementary and middle school children, nurturing their natural lust for the magic of the world, helping them realize the power of words, and creating a caring community in her classroom.

Ann cared deeply for our nation and the peoples of the world, abhorred war and injustice, and promoted peace through political and social action.

Ann's grandsons counted on her for hours filled with invented stories, silly play, tossing around a ball, and helping with schoolwork and musical studies. She gave countless rides around town and soothed injuries to tender flesh and tender souls. She showed up for her nieces and nephews without fail. For all who were lucky enough to know her, Ann was there with a listening heart and a warm embrace.

Ann took pleasure in the Jewish ways of celebrating the ever-changing seasons. She sang in the choir at Congregation Shomrei Torah, where she became a Bat Mitzvah at age 75. Her home was the place for holiday festivities, often including friends from non-Jewish traditions. To those she befriended from kindergarten through her later years, Ann was a friend for life, staying in touch by phone until the week she died. As her doctor said, "I'm sorry for the world, because Ann was a remarkable person."

Ann is mourned by her husband of over 60 years, Asher Sheppard; daughters Eva Sheppard Wolf (Sven) and Julia Zimmer (Larry); son Abraham; siblings Mark Schlesinger (Frances) and Lynn Schlesinger; grandsons Adam Zimmer, Matthew Wolf, Joel Zimmer, and Ezra Wolf; beloved nieces and nephews; and many cherished family members and friends. Ann was predeceased by her parents and her brother-in-law Jonathan Nizel.

Friends of the family are welcome to the funeral service on January 26th at 10:30 a.m. at Congregation Shomrei Torah, Santa Rosa, followed by burial at Santa Rosa Memorial Park. The family welcomes contributions in Ann's memory to the Laur DeAguiar Fund for Music at Congregation Shomrei Torah or any charity dedicated to joy, health, or education.