Dorothy C. Shepherd

It is with great sadness that her family mourns the passing of Dorothy Catherine (Holt) Maxfield Shepherd on Tuesday, August 23, 2011. Dorothy was born in Colraine, Massachusetts on January 2, 1917, a daughter of Charles and Nellie (Stratton) Holt. Mrs. Shepherd moved to Hudson at the age of 6, was educated in Hudson schools, and graduated from Nashua High School Class of 1936. Dorothy worked for the former Brockelman’s Grocery Store during her teens, then went on to work at the former Doehla Greeting Card Company for many years and later worked part time. Dorothy was married first to Earl Maxfield for 27 years, then to Edward C. Shepherd from 1969 until his death in 2002. Between them, Dot and Ed had six children, 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson.

A member of Olive Branch Rebekah Lodge for 65 years, Dorothy was a Past Noble Grand and served as local president, Noble Grand and representative to the state organization. She also held membership in The Fortnightly Club of Hudson.

She was very active and taught Sunday school for many years at the Community Church of Hudson. Dorothy loved to cook and entertain. She was always generous with her time, providing rides to meetings for others who were unable to drive, and visiting her family and friends. Dorothy always put everyone else first, and will be remembered as the kindest, gentlest lady that many of us have ever met. The family meals involved lots of laughter and good times with the great food. There was always plenty to eat so no one left her table hungry. She always made a point to try to have everyone’s “favorite” dish at family meals.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Ruth Bulter of Nashua; her son and his wife, William and Martha Maxfield of Georgia, Vermont; her grandchildren, Jeff and his wife Jean Cherniss and family of Los Gatos, CA, Kevin Cherniss and family of California, Dorothy Rutledge and family of Las Vegas, NV and Nashua, NH, William Ayer III of Nashua, James Maxfield of Hudson and Janet Maxfield of Nashua; her stepchildren, Jean DeLeon and family of Hudson and Waterbury, CT, Ronald Shepherd and family, and Linda and husband Frank Jarek and family all of Hudson; also several nieces and nephews. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Edward Shepherd; her daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Bob Johannesen; and her three brothers, Donald Holt, Charles and his wife Elaine Holt and Dexter and his wife Edna Holt.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Monday, August 29th from 5 to 7 p.m. at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. Her funeral service will be held in the funeral home, Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery in Hudson. Family and friends are invited to attend.

Donations may be made to Home Health & Hospice Care, Attention: Development, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. (www.farwellfuneral.com)