September 8, 1963 – August 20, 2024
It is with very heavy hearts that the family of Rhonda Marie Shepherd (nee Swayze) announces her passing into God’s loving arms on August 20, 2024 after a brief, unexpected but strong battle with cancer. Truly beloved wife of Patrick Shepherd, awesome and forever dedicated mother to Kyle Shepherd (Stephanie) and Antaya “Andie” Shepherd (Mitchell Patterson), and extra special grandma to Valerie Shepherd who was her cards and games buddy. Also survived by loving and caring parents John and Lynda Swayze, sister Julie, niece Leiah and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Predeceased by close-knit grandparents Andy and Gladys Berry and William “Roy” and Beulah Swayze, Nfld aunts/uncles Beat, Ivy and Melvin, Kay and Harry, Uncles Ron and Doug Berry, Charlie and Ruth Berry, Mabel and Jack Saunders (RAF), Uncle Ron Swayze (RCAF), Aunt Catherine Culver and cousin Mike Swayze. Rhonda took great pride in her son, daughter and granddaughter while always putting their needs and wants above her own, always. She was super supportive of their sports, dance and their many other activities, always thinking of little ways to make whatever they were doing special. It was her pride and joy to work in her yard year-around and decorating her home to make it a welcoming place for her family and friends. She also enjoyed watching the deer daily from her home and helping to protect them whenever she could. Her annual summer trip to Newfoundland was a highlight for her each year, especially when we would drive “out around the bay” to watch the whales. She was an avid reader of Stephen King books and always loved music. Rhonda would often listen to music as she went about her day while having a knack for remembering the names and lyrics from new and older songs, even her grandpa’s favourites. She took pride in baking her grandma’s and other family recipes. She also loved to visit in person and on the phone with those who were near and dear to her and she always had a special place in her heart for close friends and relatives Ken and Donna and Diane (Nfld), Aunt Juanita, Audra and Audrius and their two children who quickly became Rhonda’s “adopted” kids, Bruce and Olga Nevils, Debbie and Fred, Roydon and Esther and the rest of the Dunn Parish for which she dedicated many hours as Treasurer, and her dedicated friends Susanne Austin, Janet Stubbs, Deb and others who helped to make pie making and so many other events at Grandview School such a success. Visitation for Rhonda took place on Thursday August 22 from 6-8 p.m., Friday August 23 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at BALLARD MINOR FUNERAL HOME, 315 Broad Street East, Dunnville 905-774-7277. Funeral service was held on Saturday August 24 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Church, Port Maitland. Interment Port Maitland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Christ Church Restoration Fund (Dunn Anglican Parish) or the St. Catharine’s General Hospital would be very much appreciated. Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.ballardminorfh.ca.
