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Sandra Sheppardson
Sandra J. Sheppardson, 82, longtime resident of Scottville, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024 after living with Alzheimer’s disease for several years. Sandra was born on March 19, 1942 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Louis and Anna Jane (Schweitzer) Stock and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School with the class of 1960. She furthered her education at Western Michigan University where she studied mathematics and elementary education and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1964. On June 26, 1964, Sandra married Tom Sheppardson in Kalamazoo and they celebrated 56 years together before Tom preceded her in death on December 13, 2020.
Sandra began her elementary teaching career at Lawrence and Edwardsburg public schools and after briefly living in the Grand Rapids area, she and Tom decided to move to the north woods of Mason County – for just a few years – in 1971 and never left. Sandra served as the children’s librarian for the Mason County Library in Scottville (now part of the Mason County District Library) for nearly 20 years and was well known as “the Bookmobile Lady” around the county. She enjoyed getting to know both local students and summer visitors, finding books to suit their individual interests. As an accomplished pianist, Sandra accompanied many students in solo and ensemble competitions when Tom served as the music director for Mason County Central Schools and later as a teacher at MCC Middle School. Sandra also played the piano and accompanied the Chancel Choir at Scottville Methodist Church, and for many community musicals. She also appeared in Community Theater productions at West Shore Community College and at the Ramsdell Theater in Manistee. Sandra was also an active member of the Mason County Central PTA and the Scottville Literary Club.
Later in life, Sandra enjoyed genealogical research for both her family and for others and was a member of the Mason County Historical Society, assisting in completing the Pictorial History volume. Following Tom’s retirement, they enjoyed taking road trips around the country, watching birds and other wildlife, photography, and she was always an avid reader.
Along with her husband Tom, Sandra was also preceded in death by her parents Louis and Anna Jane; her brothers Rev. Michael Stock and Gary Stock.
Sandra will be greatly missed by her children Laura Sheppardson of Oxford, Miss. and Kenneth Sheppardson of San Francisco, Cali.; her sisters-in-law Pat Gasaway of Kalamazoo and Sally Stock of Shawnee, Okla.; and five nieces and nephews and their families.
A ceremony to remember and honor both Sandra and Tom will be held at noon on Saturday, December 28 at the Scottville Methodist Church. Friends may visit with their family starting at 11 a.m. at the church. Those who wish to remember Sandra with a memorial donation are asked to please consider the Mason County Friends of the Library.
Please visit Sandra’s memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to share a memory or tribute of Sandra and Tom with their family.
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