Barbara Jane Stoddard Shepherd

Barbara Jane Mathieu Stoddard Shepherd died July 25, 2025. Barbara died of complications from Alzheimer's as she peacefully stopped breathing with her good friend Laura Bartels holding her hand. She was 78 years old. Barbara is survived by her husband Bob Shepherd, stepson Morgan Shepherd, and cousins on both her mother's and father’s sides.

Barbara grew up in North Hollywood California, with her Father, Richard “Dick” Mathieu, and Mother, Patricia Mathieu. Her friends described her home as joyous and filled with love. Even as a young woman Barbara embraced life to the fullest. She brought joy and laughter to her friends and loved ones. Knowing Barbara was truly a gift. She attended Saint Joseph’s grade school and Immaculate Heart High School. She then attended the University of Southern California, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business.

Barbara met Bob Shepherd in 1971 outside the Santa Monica airport, where she worked as a bookkeeper at Suitcase Cycle, and Bob was working on building a hot tub. Not too long after this, Barbara and her golden retriever Murphy flew out to meet Bob in Montreal, Canada, where he was working on a motion picture. They bought a VW bus and drove cross-country back home. This was the beginning of many adventures they shared for the next 55 years.

Barbara and Bob had many good friends. They often took trips in their airplane, went camping with friends, and entertained at their home in North Hollywood. Morgan, Bob’s son, came to live with Bob and Barbara when he was 8 years old. She was a loving and supportive mother to Morgan. Barbara worked as a bookkeeper and often volunteered for causes involving children and animals. She had a deep love for her animals and all animals.

Barbara and Bob moved to Bardsdale, CA, in 1989. They enjoyed living on the orchard with their animals, being a part of the local community, growing organic oranges, raising chickens, and selling eggs at the farmers' markets.

Barbara will be missed by the good friends she had throughout her life, Valyte Varness, Anita Howe Waxman, Kay Dietz, Laura Bartels, and many more. Her cousins Mary Therese Spaulding, Jim Mathieu, and Rich Mathieu held a special place in her heart. Barbara’s family and friends were graced by her love, care, humor, kindness, gifted skills, and beautiful presence. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial for Barbara will be held on:

Saturday October 11, 2025 at 3:00 pm

Bardsdale United Methodist Church

1498 Bardsdale Ave, Fillmore, CA, 93015