Patricia Ann (Crowley) Shepard

Patricia A. (Crowley) Shepard, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away at home peacefully on May 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 84 years old.

Born on August 16, 1940, in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Patricia was the cherished daughter of Francis and Evelyn (Sturtevant) Crowley. Raised in the Bradford section of Haverhill, she spent her childhood summers creating treasured memories at Plum Island—her lifelong happy place.

Patricia was a proud graduate of Sacred Hearts School and Haverhill High School, Class of 1958. Following her passion for caring for others, she earned her nursing degree from Beverly Hospital School of Nursing in 1961. Her dedication to nursing spanned 38 years, beginning at Hale Hospital and later serving the students of Haverhill High School for over 25 years. Patricia also devoted many summers to providing compassionate care to children in Haverhill’s migrant program.

For 63 beautiful years, Patricia was married to her childhood sweetheart, Frederick Shepard Jr. Together, they built a life centered around love, laughter, and family. She leaves behind three loving children: Joseph Shepard and his wife Susan of Derry, NH; Maureen Burns and her husband Philip of Haverhill; and Stephen Shepard and his wife Greta of West Newbury. She also leaves her sister Joan and husband John Mahoney, brother-in-law-law, Neil Sawyer. She was predeceased by her sister, Dianne Sawyer, and brother, Michael Crowley.

Patricia was a proud and doting grandmother to nine grandchildren—Jon, Derek, Patryck, Jake, Jared, Ricky, Ciara, Sean, and Thomas —and five great-grandchildren: Sophia, Rieley, Leah, Wyatt, Hudson, and Emmett.

Her life was filled with adventure and joy. Patricia loved the ocean and was often seen strolling the beach in search of sand dollars. She enjoyed boating, golfing, skiing, hiking, shopping, and playing cards with friends. Most of all, she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and great- grandchildren. An avid traveler, she explored destinations near and far, including Ireland, Bermuda, Anna Maria Island, and many places across the United States and Canada.

Patricia also found peace and happiness at her vacation homes in Bartlett and Tuftonboro, New Hampshire, where she and her family made countless lifelong memories in the White Mountains and on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Patricia’s warmth, kindness, and quiet strength touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be remembered for her boundless generosity, unwavering love for her family, and the joy she brought into every room she entered.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 12, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 S. Main Street, Haverhill from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, in Sacred Hearts Church, 165 S. Main Street, Haverhill at 10:00 AM. Please meet directly at church. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill at www.tuftsmedicine.org/get-care/locations/high-pointe-house or the Animal Rescue Merrimack Valley at www.armv.org. For guestbook, please visit www.driscollcares.com

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