| Date of Birth | December 2, 1941 |
| Date Deceased | January 13, 2024 |
| Hometown | Hornell |
| Home State | N.Y. |
JEAN SHEPARD
HORNELL – Jean Shepard, 82, of Hornell’s 7th Ward, died Saturday evening (Jan. 13, 2024) surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born on December 2,1941 to Pauline and Joseph Dixon.
You may not have known Jean Shepard, but she made your life a little better. If you had asked Jean where she was from, she would have proudly told you – Hornell NY – she would then go on to list the many changes her town has seen. Things would then slowly evolve into a four-hour-long conversation filled with laughter, raised voices, cigarettes, and coffee.
An advocate for the Hornell Parks program, Jean served as the President of the Cinderella Softball League; this led her to a lifetime of service to her community.
A 30-year veteran of Hornell’s Common Council, Jean understood the ins and outs of everything from annual budgets to the type of soil used for city projects. She was kind but knew how to argue. She could listen, but always voiced her opinion. You could depend on her.
Jean enjoyed talking about politics, gardening and landscaping, home improvement projects, happy grandchildren, family dinners, and the Fourth of July. Jean disliked the current state of the Republican party, and when her granddaughters critiqued the Democrats.
All her traits, good and bad, were passed down to her four children, Karen (David) Winant, Lori (Jason) Reese, Stacy (David) Haven, and Gary (Timberly) Shepard. She will be missed by 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; as well as countless nieces and nephews; her loving sister, Joanne Curran; and her step-brother, William (Bonnie) White; her many in-laws, Kay Day, Philip (Lisa) Shepard, Susan (Joseph) Pelych, Joan (Mickey) Alvord, Tracy (Fritz) Kelly, Stephen Shepard, Lynn (Tom) Bob, and Patti (Mike) Splangler of Tennessee.
She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Stanley “Pookie” Shepard; two of her sisters, Tommy Bossard & Linda Warczok; and her great-grandchild, Zoey Kays; as well as her in-laws, Sharon Miazga, Gerry & Sylvia Hall, Glen Bossard, Dick Curran, and Julie Mullen.
Calling hours are 3-6 p.m. Friday (Jan. 19, 2024) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Immediately following the calling hours (6 p.m.) relatives and friends are invited to join her family for a gathering at The Main Place, 251 Main St., Hornell.
In lieu of flowers, the Shepard family is asking for donations to be made to the City of Hornell c/o Jean Shepard Memorial Fund, 82 Main St., Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The funds will be used for the purpose of a park bench to be dedicated in her honor.
The Shepard family also asks that if you can, vote, and if you’re willing, be involved in local politics – be like Jean and make a difference.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Jean’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Jean are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
My thoughts and prayers goes out to the family. JEAN and I have been friends for many years and we were neighbors for quite a few year. God bless you Jean. You were a good friend and person. Love Schuyler Hawley. 263 Grand street Hornell NY
A powerful, caring, kind, wonderful person. I have so many memories and wonderful discussions with this trailblazer. Smart , witty, stubborn at times. Committed to family and Community. Thank you for your service Jean Shepard, it was an honor to serve our City with you. Rest In Peace.
Jean was very nice person, I worked with her at Bryant School for a couple of years. After she retired I would sometimes go to her home and we would visit and have coffee . A person couldn’t ask for a better co-worker and friend. She will surely be missed. RIP Jean.
Jean was a lovely lady and I am sure that she will be misses by her many friends and family. RIP Jean.