Connie Marie Shepard (Foust) died at her home in New Bloomfield, PA, on January 27, 2023.

She was diagnosed with late stage cancer in August 2022, and fought to celebrate 7 out of her 8 living grand-childrens’ birthdays, her 72nd birthday, her 53rd wedding anniversary with her husband Brian, Thanksgiving with her entire family including with her first great grand-child, her last Christmas and New Year’s. Her strength and love touched her family and caregivers as she fought to give loved ones beautiful final memories.

She was born September 30, 1950, in Alba, PA. Her parents were Richard and Doris Foust. She graduated from Troy High School in Bradford County, PA, where she played tenor saxophone in marching and concert bands. One of her fondest memories was of playing in Atlantic City, NJ, with her high school dance band. She attended business school in Williamsport, PA, where she met her beloved husband Brian. She married Brian F. Shepard on November 15, 1969, in Alba, PA. He survives and misses her with all his heart.

They enjoyed vacationing together particularly the times they spent at the ocean and beach. Her commitment to loving her children and caring for her husband always gave Brian comfort and joy. He appreciated and did not take for granted her wonderful cooking, homemaking, and devotion to him, their children, and grandchildren. They lived their first 40 years together in Millport, PA, in Potter County before moving to Carlisle, PA, then New Bloomfield, PA, for the last 15 years. Connie professed faith in Jesus Christ as a child. Though she faced many challenges to her faith throughout her life she continued to reaffirm her faith in Christ as her savior until she died.

Connie was first and foremost Mom to her three sons, Michael (Sarah) of Scottsdale, AZ, Brian L (Kathy) of New Bloomfield, PA, and Bradley (Denise) of New Bloomfield, PA. She lived to care for and love her sons and then eventually their grandchildren. They were her pride, joy, and love of her life next to her husband Brian. She never missed one of their wrestling, cross-country, baseball, or track competitions. She hand made their Halloween costumes, baked them their favorite treats, comforted them when they were hurt, celebrated their successes, and sacrificed selflessly to support them through college and into successful executive careers.

She was a full time homemaker during her sons’ younger years and worked outside the home later in retail, candle making, home services, and found joy and success at Adelphia Communications in service and sales work. She was an amazing cook, baker, and crafter. She celebrated and made every birthday and holiday special for her sons and then her grandchildren. The love she gave to each member of her family is the amazing legacy she leaves. Rummy, marbles, Payday and Yahtzee games, hand made gifts, warm hugs in good and bad times, spaghetti and movie night at her house, baking and cooking their favorite foods with each grandchild, seeing the Rose Bowl and each grandchild’s sporting events, were her joy and the treasured legacy she leaves her deeply beloved grandchildren. She loved each of them so hard. Words cannot describe the depth of her deep and abiding love for each of these special grandchildren. They warmed her heart and brightened every day for her.

In addition to her husband and sons, she is survived by her grandchildren Emma (Collin) Vakos, Kirkland Shepard, Henry Shepard, Logan Shepard, Charles Shepard, Linsay Shepard, Aden..Shepard, and Evan Shepard. She lost her baby grandson George Shepard and always celebrated his birthday and Christmas. She lived after her cancer diagnosis to see her recently born great grandchild William Reese Vakos and found so much joy Facetiming him and his mother Emma in her final months. She is also survived by her brothers Robert Foust and Randy Foust of Canton, PA, brother-in-law Larry Hall of Troy, PA, and nephews Nathan Hall, Jason Foust, and niece Nicole Carey.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved siblings Richard (Rick) Foust and sister Joann Hall.

Family visitation and memorial services will be held at Boyer Family Funeral Home, 101 W. Main Street, New Bloomfield, PA 17068, on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 3 pm for family visitation and remembrance and memorial service at 4 pm.

The Boyer Family is honored to handle the arrangements for the Shepard Family.