Constance Hartley (Chick) Shepard

Constance Hartley (Chick) Shepard passed away on 30 July 2021 peacefully in her home in Marion, Massachusetts. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts on 26 July 1926 spending her early years first in Winchester and later in Arlington, MA. Before moving to Marion, she resided in Wellesley Hills, MA for over 50 years.

Connie graduated from Arlington High School and then attended Wellesley College (majoring in Psychology) where she became engaged to her future (and only) husband Wentworth Dutton (Dut) Shepard, a Harvard graduate and WWII veteran. She graduated in 1947 and was married the following day. Eventually the couple settled down in Wellesley Hills to raise their family of five children after brief early stays in Alfred, Maine and Westport, Oregon as Mr. Shepard worked for the Shepard and Morse Lumber Company.

She maintained close ties with Wellesley College for many years becoming the president of the Boston Wellesley College Club and acting as a surrogate parent for several foreign students during the school year. Her continuous support won her the prestigious Syrena Stackpole award from the college.

She was also very active in the town serving as president of the Wellesley Hills Alliance of the Unitarian Church, holding several offices in the Wellesley Junior Service League (including director), and serving as president of the Junior Circle of the Wellesley Florence Crittendon League.

The Shepards were married for 60 years until Mr. Shepard’s death in 2007. They raised four sons (George, Benjamin, Andrew and Sam) and were graced with the surprise arrival of the first female Shepard in 3 generations, Caroline (now Caroline Bolick) 13 years younger than their oldest. At the time of her death, Mrs. Shepard had 9 grandchildren and four great grandchildren all of whom were able to visit her over the last few months of her life except for the most recent born on the 29th.

Connie was an avid tennis player, sailor (cruising and racing), bridge expert, and master chef. She devoted her lifetime to dedicated service with exceptional commitment. Her grace, magical sense of humor, and love for her family will be sorely missed.

Mrs. Shepard will be buried in a private ceremony at the Point Road Memorial Forest in Marion MA. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Elizabeth Taber Library Association, 8 Spring St, Marion, MA 02738.

Arrangements by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham. To leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com