Shirley Elizabeth Sheppard (21 Nov 1972 - 23 May 2018)

Location
Lincoln Crematorium Washingborough Road Lincoln LN4 1EF
Date
20th Jun 2018
Time
12.30pm
Open map

Print

In loving memory of Shirley Elizabeth Sheppard who sadly passed away on 23rd May 2018.

Born Shirley Elizabeth Jackson, on 21st November 1972, in Douglas, Isle of man. Shirley spent her first five years in foster care in various places in the North West of England.

When she reached the age of 5, her mother and father moved to Preston, Lancs, where they lived until she was 14 years old. From there her mother moved to Scotland with her, and Shirley met someone who gave her two children, Daniel and Thomas.

Soon after Thomas' birth, Shirley moved to Manchester. Her mother and brother lived close by. Unfortunately, her mother died suddenly, leaving the family in dire financial straits. But Shirley took control, and soon paid off the debts, and started work, earning enough to take the boys on holidays regularly. Travel was always Shirley's escape from everyday life.

However, Shirley did not think that Manchester was the best place to bring up her children. She moved to Sleaford in 2000, and then to her home in Ruskington in 2001. After a year or so, her future husband, Martin moved in, and they brought the boys up together. In 2006 they married in Slough, Berkshire.

Martin was suffering ill health by this time, and Shirley decided that it would be best if she went to work, and Martin stay home with the children. This arrangement carried on throughout the rest of her life. She began work at Doulton Lodge, Anwick, as a cleaner, but after a year, realised that care work was to be her future, and transferred to the care worker that she remained.

In 2011, she decided to train at University, to be a carer and counsellor. She sorted her course between work and home, and studied, until in 2017, she passed her degree. We were so proud of her, and things looked to be very good for our future. She also passed her driving test, giving her independence to travel for work, if needs be.

Unfortunately, this euphoria was short lived, as she was diagnosed with Breast cancer in October 2017. Undaunted, Shirley threw everything she had into battling the cancer. She was now unable to work, due to the severity of the infection. She drew up a bucket list, and travelled around fulfilling as many as possible in the time she had left.

In May 2018, Shirley was taken ill in Scotland, and had to be hospitalised for a week there. When she got back to Lincoln, the hospital did tests, and found that the cancer had spread to her bones, and brain. Shirley knew that her time was near, and as soon as the equipment was delivered to our home, she was discharged from hospital, to come and be with her family. Nurses were put in place on the 22nd May, and Shirley passed away comfortably the next morning.

But all through her illness, she still put everyone else first. Our children, and grandchildren, from both our relationships, were cared for, and Shirley spent lots of time helping them in their own lives. This is the Shirley that will be remembered. The caring, loving Shirley that we all knew.

Kim Holmes lit a candle
Thomas Jackson wrote

Two months today you got taken away from us all :( not a day goes by we're I don't think of you or want to use your phrases on people. I can still remember your proud face when Tyler was born and hopefully you've still got that

Report abuse
Comment on this message
Martin Sheppard posted a picture

Comments

  • Shirley's main benefactor. The Jim Cronin Fund...

    Posted by Martin on 2/07/2018 Report abuse
Comment on this image
Martin Sheppard posted a picture
Comment on this image
Martin Sheppard posted a picture

Comments

  • All gone now. :(

    Posted by Martin on 2/07/2018 Report abuse
  • I am so sorry to hear about your loss! Shirley was a lovely person and loving! Shirley will be remembered by lots off people and missed!! Thinking off you all!! R.I.P Shirley xx

    Posted by Hannah on 16/08/2018 Report abuse
Comment on this image
Tiffany Zuccotti wrote

Shirley you was an amazing lady, with a beautiful soul and amazing personality. You was my work mother, I used to love knowing you was coming onto shift and i'd stay later so we could gossip together. You always looked out for me and made sure I wasn't working myself silly. I will treasure every memory. Please party hard up there and show them all how it's done xxxx

Report abuse
Comment on this message
Stevan wrote

Shirley I’m so glad we managed too sort things out in life and thank you for the great memory’s you left for me and my children when we were in Wales :)
you had a great heart and a personality you really can’t forget and everyone will miss you alot

Report abuse
Comment on this message
Chrissy Bougourd lit a candle
Martin Sheppard posted a picture

Comments

  • She meant the world to so many people

    Posted by Martin on 21/06/2018 Report abuse
Comment on this image
Martin Sheppard posted a picture
What Shirley means to me? She is my world.

What Shirley means to me? She is my world.

Report abuse
Comment on this photo
Martin Sheppard posted a picture
The 'Shimmering Shirley'. Invented at the Red Lion in Ruskington.

The 'Shimmering Shirley'. Invented at the Red Lion in Ruskington.

Report abuse
Comment on this photo
Sarah Goulsbra wrote

Shirley you were a amazing lady. With a big heart and big smile! I will remember our night shifts at CTL very fondly. I can still see you laughing when I fell off the chair! You were taken way too soon ! Have a ball up there. Fly high sweetheart. Will miss you. . Sarah and Karl xxx

Report abuse
Comment on this message
Sarah Goulsbra lit a candle
James Sankus lit a candle
clare sheppard lit a candle
Jeffrey Phillips wrote

A truly remarkable mum, she was always there for me when I needed a hand in life, and helped me with my troubles too. I'm going to really miss you but now I'm going to enjoy your pringles. Ever loving, the pringle thief.

Report abuse
Comment on this message
Kevin & Angélique Skitmore wrote

Shirley you were an amazing lady, happy, strong, honest, loving and caring. You leave a huge gap behind you. We can’t believe we won’t see your lovely smile again. You were so full of joy all the time, even in your darkest hours. You are so inspirational Shirley. You are now at peace, no more suffering.
Look down on us and look after Martin and all your family. They still need you. x

Report abuse
Comment on this message
Katherine Harris Watson wrote

Shirley was sunshine - a light that brightened up our lives and warmed our hearts. She brought such positiveness and determination to everything, radiating smiles and encouragement. Even in the darkest moments, we would hear her voice insisting "onwards and upwards".
We are so proud to have known her, grateful for all the joy she brought into our world, and comforted by our many happy memories of her. In her family and friendships she leaves a wonderful legacy of love. Onwards and upwards for ever.

Report abuse
Comment on this message
Shane Searle lit a candle
Shane Searle wrote


A woman of extreme strength, courage and love, Who was a beautiful soul, soft, gentle,wise and now peaceful and free as a dove.
Someone one who all our admiration can be built around. For her womanhood, as a person, a daughter, a wife, a colleuge, a friend, aunty, sister,mother grandmother.
we will forever hold you in our hearts and remember You as a wonderful human being.

I will always respect all you went through in your hardships and distinguished ways, Your ability to hold yourself with such dignity and pride in all your days, Your light shines on in all your devoted family and those of us who were Blessed to call you friend.

You are taking a little part of everyone who knew you, with you as you follow your angels who will guide you to your
precious place,

May you look back on your life with pride on who you are and what youve done & brought To this life and your family and friends.

As you enter your new heavenly home,
may you rest in peace for which you truly deserve,For you will be truly missed and remembered and may God be with you. Till we meet again my friend...
Goodbye for now..

Report abuse
Comment on this message
Rachel McCartney wrote

The angels sang amazing grace
The lord came down and touched your face
He held your hand and whispered low
Come with me it’s time to go.
The gates of heaven opened wide
The angels lined up side by side
A special guest was on her way
The day they took our Shirley away.
We cannot stop the hands of time
Or live again the past
But we shall always love and remember you
Aslong as time will last.

You left a special mark in everyone’s heart that met you and your the most amazing inspirational woman I’ve ever met. Will always remember the laughs we had and your dancing in town. Will see you again one day. Lots of love me and sapphire-mae xxx

Report abuse
Comment on this message
Rachel McCartney lit a candle
Stacey Newell wrote

Shirley you are such an inspirational women, those of us who got to meet you and know you will also agree. I know how much you love your family and how proud you are of them just the mention of your family brought that beautiful smile to your face the smile that we will miss. I cant thank you enough and tell you how much it ment to me to have a friend like you even whilst fighting you still thought of others and made sure they were ok putting them before yourself again. The memories we shared will stay with me forever. No words can explain how much you are going to be missed but i know you will close by your families side watching over them with that beaming smile on your face lots of love xxx

Report abuse
Comment on this message
Stacey Newell lit a candle
Sue Simpsom wrote

Shirley one of the nicest people anyone could wish to meet, never a bad word said about anyone and always encouraging others ❤❤❤ with the biggest smile she will be watching over her family. RIP

Report abuse
Comment on this message
Stevan Sheppard lit a candle
Sue Simpson lit a candle
Emily Jackson lit a candle
Jayne Tonge wrote

Lovely lady, always had time for everyone, we had many laughs while working together. You will be missed by so many. Fly high with the other beautiful angles and watch over the ones you love x

Report abuse
Comment on this message
Sarah Mason lit a candle