Joan Marie (Hilton) Shepard was a bright star. Her family and friends circled around her, enjoying her warmth and light. She hosted elaborate wild game dinner parties and made treats for every holiday. She doted on her cats. Most importantly, she laughed easily, loved sweetly, and lived fully.

Born June 9, 1935, Joan made the most of her nearly eighty-six trips around the sun. She earned her teaching degree at Eastern Michigan University in 1968 and taught business administration in the Waterford schools for thirty years. She married her love, Edward Shepard, in 1973. She traveled the world, visiting five continents. Joan loved her big adventures to Alaska, Italy, France, Ecuador, Morocco, China, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, but she also found peace and fun at her cabin in Pinconning and her sister's cottage in Shelby.

Joan's passing is grieved by her husband of forty-nine years Edward; stepfather Perc; stepchildren David (Bonnie), Kathy (Don), and Chuck; grandchildren Ryan (Anastasia), Joshua, and Elizabeth; great grandchild Jackson; nieces Catherine (Ron), Susan (Hamid), and Karen; grandnieces Serena and Olivia; and grandnephew Siraj.

Joan was welcomed into glory by her father Farin, her mother Lillian, and her sister Jean on March 21, 2022.

May she continue to shine brightly in the hereafter.

A memorial service will be held at Coats Funeral Home on Monday, April 4. Viewing will start at 10:00AM, and the service will begin at 12:00PM

Burial will follow at White Chapel Memorial Park.

Donations may be made in Joan's honor to the Waterford Foundation for Public Education.

Waterford Foundation for Public Education
P.O. Box 300681, Waterford MI 48330
Web: https://www.waterford.k12.mi.us/community/connections/waterford-foundation/