Joan D. Shepard, age 68, a resident of Windsor Park Manor in Carol Stream and formerly of Wheaton and Naperville, died Sunday, December 16, at the Central Du Page Hospital. She was born in Manhasset, NY on May 23, 1939.
Joan attended Cobleskill University in upstate New York. As a young woman she took a job in Chicago where she met a Japanese exchange student. This friendship led her to spend a year in Japan teaching English and where she learned Japanese. Upon her return she settled in Wheaton and attended the Wheaton Evangelical Free Church, which became like family to her. While she struggled with her disability for the last 25 years, Joan developed a tremendous compassion for others with disabilities and became involved with Joni and Friends, a ministry to the disabled. This care and love for others showed itself through praying, sending notes of encouragement, giving hugs, and taking time to listen to their concerns. She loved to take pictures, going out to dinner with friends, her cat, shopping, going to church, Joni and Friends Summer Retreats, square dancing, travel and giving gifts. She will be greatly missed by many.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 19, at 7:00 p.m. at the Wheaton Evangelical Free Church, 520 E. Roosevelt Rd. in Wheaton, IL 60187. Friends may visit from 4 until 7 p.m. at the church. Interment will be held privately at Wheaton Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the church or Joni and Friends, 915 Harger Rd., Suite 210, Oak Brook, IL 60523.