Kathleen L. Shepherd

Kathleen L. Shepherd, 74, of North Fairfield, passed away peacefully at home on March 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 24, 1951, in Willard, to the late Thor and Mary (Simmons) Sweeting.

A lifelong resident of North Fairfield, Kathleen graduated from South Central High School in 1969. She was a devoted member of North Fairfield United Methodist Church, the Farm Women’s Club, and the Girl’s Club. Kathleen was also well known in the community for her work as a Workshop Aide Specialist at Christie Lane School.

Kathleen will be remembered for her warm smile and unwavering kindness. She found great joy tending to her garden and generously shared its bounty through her vegetable stand. An avid baker, she was known for her delicious pies, peach cobbler, and other homemade treats, which she loved sharing with family and friends. Those who knew her best will fondly remember her deep love for the Huron County Fair. A tradition she proudly maintained with a remarkable 74 consecutive years of attendance.

Above all, Kathleen was a devoted mother and grandmother. She cherished every moment spent with her children and grandchildren, who were the center of her life.

In her later years, Kathleen faced a courageous battle with ALS. As one friend shared, she met this challenge with beauty and grace, never losing her spirit.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Aunt Jane for her compassionate care during Kathleen’s illness, her close group of girlfriends for their steadfast support during this time, and to Southern Care Hospice for their love and supporting care.

She is survived by her children, Veronica (Tony) Ott and Brian Shepherd; her grandchildren, Madison (Jerrod) Shipman, Danielle (Cole Wasiniak) Ott, Hunter Cooper, Jenna Shepherd, and Bryson Shepherd; her sister, Jane (Gary) Antill; her sister-in-law, Carol Sweeting; and many nieces and nephews; and her beloved feline companions, Tux and Sam.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thor and Mary (Simmons) Sweeting; her siblings, Margaret Dunbar and John Sweeting; and her nephew, Simon Antill.

A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home, 98 West Main Street, Norwalk from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and again on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Funeral Home beginning at 10:30 a.m. until the start of the Funeral Service at 11:30 a.m. A private family burial will take place at a later date at North Fairfield Cemetery. Memory contributions made in Kathleen’s memory can be made out to the North Fairfield Food Pantry, North Fairfield Improvement Group, and or the Charlie Vogel Livestock Buyers Group. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy can be made by visiting www.walkereastmanheydingerfh.com