Jean Drummond Shepard, 92, of Cazenovia, New York, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026.

       Born on August 18, 1933, in Yonkers, New York, Jean was the daughter of Walter and Mary Drummond. She attended a small Catholic boarding school in Highland Mills, New York, from first through twelfth grade and later earned a degree in music from Georgian Court University in Lakewood, New Jersey—one of her lifelong passions.

       Family was the center of Jean’s life. She was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Richard Shepard, and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who always put others before herself. She was also a cherished friend to many.

       Jean found joy in life’s simple pleasures—playing and teaching piano, reading, practicing yoga, gardening, and nurturing her deep faith in God.

       Her commitment to helping others was steadfast. Jean served for many years as an EMT-Medic with the Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps (CAVAC) from 1976 through the 1990s. She was deeply involved with St. James Roman Catholic Church in Cazenovia, serving as a Eucharistic minister and bringing Communion to homebound parishioners. She also assisted with Faith Formation for young students at St. James until recently. In addition, Jean served on the Pastoral Care team at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, visiting patients of all religious denominations and offering prayer and comfort.

       Music remained a constant source of joy throughout Jean’s life. She sang with the Syracuse Diocesan Festival Chorus and the Cazenovia Community Chorale, where she was the choir’s only female alto. Over the past 40 years she generously shared her love of music by teaching piano lessons from her home to countless students, both young and old.

       Those who knew Jean will remember her as thoughtful, kind, generous, and blessed with a wonderful sense of humor. She never sought attention for herself, yet through her quiet acts of kindness and unwavering compassion she left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

       Jean is survived by her four children, Diane (Leroy) of Haleʻiwa, Hawaii; Kim (Kirk) of Stuart, Florida; Jackie (Steve) of Margate, New Jersey; and Douglas (Trista) of Cazenovia, New York. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren, Kyle, Kelly, Justin, Janna, Rosina, Rory, Dylan, and Chase; and her great-granddaughter, Riley.

       She will be dearly missed and forever remembered by her family, friends, students, and all whose lives she touched.

       A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at St. James Roman Catholic Church in Cazenovia beginning with a calling hour from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11 a.m. After the Mass, there will be a luncheon in the fellowship hall of the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. James Roman Catholic Church, 6 Green St., Cazenovia, NY 13035 in Jean’s name—her second home. Condolences for the Shepard family may be shared at www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.