Bradford, VT - Theresa Cassady Shepard, 96, of Bradford, VT, died Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, NH from complications of COVID-19 and a long battle with dementia.  Mrs. Shepard had been living at the Margaret Pratt Assisted Living Community, Gardens Unit for the past four and a half years.
Born on January 11, 1928, to Henry and Meroa (Emery) Cassady of Groton, VT, she graduated from Groton High School in 1947 and attended Burlington Business College.  During her high school years, she often told of her adventures with driving the school bus, and a Model T Ford.   On August 14, 1948, she married Stanley L. Shepard of Orford, NH and they made their home in Piermont before moving to Bradford in 1952.
Stanley and Theresa traveled throughout all 50 US states, all 14 provinces of Canada, and cruised to several other countries.  They were also active in the American Legion and Auxiliary, Friendship Club, and the Bradford United Church of Christ.  Theresa was a lifetime member of the Groton Historical Society, Bradford Historical Society, assistant Leader of Girl Scouts, and 4-H.
Known to many as Ma or Gram, she welcomed many families, kids and friends to her kitchen where she served Chop Suey meals, squash rolls, warm donuts, filled cookies, and many other tasty treats. She enjoyed card games (which she was known for stretching the rules), visiting with friends, and telling stories.  Later in life, she was always ready for a road trip; to Maine, shopping, or just out to eat.
Theresa was predeceased by her parents, husband Stanley, son Jack Shepard, grandson Michael Powers, son-in-law Richard Barry, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins which she cherished.
She is survived by three daughters, Henrietta Powers, Annette Barry, and Meroa Benjamin (David). Grandchildren include Bernadette Pearson, Kasey Benjamin Weidman (James), Collin Barry (Francesca), and Brendan Barry (Stephanie).  Great-grandchildren include Malaki Pearson, Sarah and Benjamin Weidman, Blake and Brenna Barry, and William and Hannah Barry.
The family would like to thank the staff of Margaret Pratt Assisted Living Facility, DHMC ER staff, and the staff at Jack Bryne Center for Palliative Care.
Visiting hours will be on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 10:00 AM – 11:30 and funeral services will be at 12:00 noon at Bradford Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 145 North Main Street, Bradford, VT.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Groton Historical Society (PO Box 89, Groton, VT 05046-0089) would be greatly appreciated or to a charity of your choice.