Dorothy Maude (Durant) Shepard

Dorothy Maude (Durant) Shepard age 97 of Ayer formerly of Groton passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at Apple Valley Center in Ayer. She was the beloved wife of the late Charles Alexander Shepard.

Dorothy Maude Durant was born in Pepperell on August 1, 1921 the daughter of the late Harold Eugene and Flora (Trumball) Durant. She was raised and educated in Groton.

Dorothy and Charles married on December 31, 1939 and remained in Groton where together they raised their loving family. Dorothy was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker who dedicated her life to her family.

Family was the center of her life, she cherished many family and holiday gatherings where she spent time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She always smiled and everyone welcomed her loving presence. Dorothy also enjoyed dancing.

She is survived by her children, Charlene Goodwin of Tulsa, OK, Laura Athorn and her husband Ron of Tyngsboro and Charles Shepard of Ayer; grandchildren Tammy, Cindy, Glenda, Donald, Jennifer; great-grandchildren Jeremy, Dayton, Joshua, Sarah, Connan, A.J., Sonya, Amanda, Brandon, Kendra, Zachary, Alexa and eight great-great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and dear friend Jean Mason. She is predeceased by her grandson Arnold Goodwin, Jr., sisters, Florence Jarvis, Evelyn George, Helen Tedesco, Bernice Stocker, Marjery Albert and brother Harold Durant, Jr.

The family would like to extend a special thank you for the wonderful care provided to Dorothy at Apple Valley Center and Hospice in Ayer.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Dorothy on Thursday, March 14, 2019 from 4:00-7:00 pm at the Badger Funeral Home, 45 School St., Groton. Her funeral service will be held on Friday, March 15 at 11:00 am in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Groton Cemetery.

Donations in her memory maybe made to:
Compasus Hospice Care and Home Health
790 Turnpike Street #302
North Andover, MA 01845
www.compassus.com

or

Apple Valley Center
400 Groton Road
Ayer, MA 01432