Doreen F. Shepard

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Doreen Frances Shepard, 74, of Cleveland, OH, died Tuesday, December 31, 2019, at Sprenger Town Center in Avon Lake, OH.  She was born July 1, 1945, the only daughter of Joseph and Josephine (Eppich) Sanker, now deceased. She was preceded in death by her brothers Thom Sanker and Rick Sanker (Virginia Sanker), both of Cleveland, OH. Doreen attended West Tech high school, had a long career as a mother and homemaker, and also worked part-time in the cafeteria at Harding Middle School, Lakewood, OH.  After leaving the school system, she worked as an office manager for Linton Sherbundy in Lakewood, OH.  Through her brother and future brother-in-law, she met Ned (Edward Joseph) Shepard, also of Cleveland, OH. They married on February 3, 1968, and resided in Lakewood, OH, for 20 years before moving to the West Park neighborhood of Cleveland.  She was an active member of St. Mel’s Catholic Church, assisting with treasurer responsibilities, annual fish frys, and as an altar server.Some of her many activities included baking, gardening, assisting her neighbors and family members, and caring for her daughters and grandchildren.  Doreen deeply loved her husband Ned, as well as her daughters Kim Shepard (Beth Blissman), of Cleveland, OH, and Colleen (Shepard) Minnich (Chip Minnich) of Avon Lake, OH. She also loved her grandchildren, Olivia, Owen and Quinn Minnich, all of Avon Lake, OH.  Doreen is also survived by her brothers, Larry Sanker (Helen, deceased) of Kansas City, MO, and Jim Sanker (Dianne) of Avon, OH, and many loving members of her extended family. Visitation will be Friday, January 3,2020, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm in the chapel of Donlon Funeral Home 15408 Triskett Rd., Cleveland. The  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, January 4, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mel’s Catholic Church, 14436 Triskett Rd.Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery in Brook Park, OH. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be made to: Hospice of the Western Reserve (www.hospicewr.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association(www.act.alz.org/donate).