Charmaine Eulalia Shepard

Charmaine Shepard was born to Tom and Lalie Head of Glace Bay in 1947. She was married to our dad, Ira Shepard Jr., for 49 years, building a life filled with love and wonderful memories.

Mom was a devoted stay-at-home mother and a proud Nanny, faithfully attending every dance recital, graduation, play, camping trip, -you name it, and she was there. She also loved volunteering at her children’s schools. Mom wasn't far from her sewing machine. She fashioned many outfits for her children and many home sewn quilts which was a past down talent.

Mom passed quietly, surrounded by all the love she deserved, at Hospice Cape Breton on October 10, 2025.

She leaves behind her daughter Jeanne (Bryant) and grandchildren Hilary (Tyler), Jillian, and Kirky (Zeca); her daughter Lisa and grandchildren Brittany (Clay), Ausha (Gregg), Brandon (Jess), and Andrew (Harmony), as well as great-grandchildren Ava, Evie, and Cooper; and her son Michael (Lisa) with children Jess (Melissa), Kayleigh, Madison, and Emily.

Jason Fowler was more than a nephew-he was “Auntie’s favorite,” and they shared an incredible bond would last a lifetime.

Charmaine is also survived by her siblings Peter, Bernie (Jean), Sharon (Wayne McKinnon), Anne (Jim MacDonald), Allie (Alisa), and Cathy (Mendel Fowler).

She was predeceased by her husband, Ira Jr., her brothers Ronnie and Kevin, and by her in-laws Ira Sr. and Margaret (O’Day), Doug, and Irvin Shepard. Mom is lovingly remembered by the life of the party by her in-laws Annette (Duncan Martell), Anita (Barry MacDonald), Paul Shepard (Joan), Martin Shepard (Joanne), Lew Shepard, Ken Shepard (Roberta), Fay Shepard, Madeline Hall, and Velma Boutilier.

There are too many nieces, nephews, and godchildren to name, but please know that Mom loved you all dearly.

Charmaine was known for her warmth and her gift of making anyone laugh. She asked to be remembered with a smile, not a tear-so, in her own cheeky way, we’ll say: “I’m officially logged off Facebook.”

Mom’s time at Hospice Cape Breton was, for lack of a better word, incredible. Her room was filled with love, laughter, flowers, feathers, glue, light shows, and you'd often hear, "Yahtzee!" echoing in the halls as she cheered us on.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Hospice Cape Breton staff and volunteers, our treasured Dr. Dentino. They all gave us so many beautiful memories with Mom; her VON “angels”; the CB Cancer Centre staff; and her private care girls, whose kindness, care, and compassion made her final journey one of dignity and comfort. Tammy, thank you for supporting all sides of the team. You're the best. Please know we didn't forget anyone, we treasure you all.

As per Mom’s wishes, cremation has taken place under the care of Forest Haven Memorial Gardens. Family and friends are invited to join us at St. Anne’s Church, Glace Bay, with mass to celebrate Mom's life on Friday, October 17th, at 1 p.m.