Betty F. Shepard, Fitchburg

Fitchburg – Betty F. (LeClair) Shepard, 86, a former longtime resident of Fitchburg and a 22-year resident of Carriage Court in Leominster, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at her most recent home, Manor on the Hill in Leominster. Betty was born in Fitchburg on July 27, 1939, the daughter of the late Clifford A. and Lillian A. (Gagne) LeClair. She attended Fitchburg schools and graduated from Stevens Business College in Fitchburg. Before her retirement in 2002, Betty dedicated 24 years of service to Market Basket on Water Street in Fitchburg. Earlier in her career, she worked at Victory Supermarket, and prior to entering the grocery industry, she was employed for many years as a secretary at Foster Grant in Leominster. Betty was a faithful member of the former Faith United Parish and Rollstone Congregational Churches in Fitchburg. She devoted much of her time to helping others, volunteering with the Massachusetts Association of the Blind, Montachusett Home Health Care, the Fitchburg YMCA, and the United Way. Betty was also a member of the Montachusett Twirlers Square Dancing Club and an avid roller skater—through which she met the love of her life, Olney. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, bowling, playing mini golf, and gathering regularly for card games with friends. Travel was one of Betty’s greatest joys. She made countless cherished memories on family trips, including 67 summers at Old Orchard Beach and decades of vacations in Ogunquit. Her travels also took her to Alaska, British Columbia, Hawaii, Ireland, Italy, Myrtle Beach, and Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Among her most treasured times were visits to her son Stevie’s Lake house in Maine, where they enjoyed boating, playing games, and spending quality time together. Above all, Betty was devoted to her family and friends. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering love touched everyone who knew her, leaving a legacy of compassion that will live on in the hearts of those she loved. Betty leaves her beloved husband of 66 years, Olney A. Shepard of Leominster; her son, Steven W. Shepard of West Gardiner, ME; her brother, Richard LeClair of Queen Creek, AZ; her sister, Donna Greenstreet of Leominster; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. She was predeceased by her sisters Gail Roy of Fitzwilliam, NH, and Nancy Harris of Baldwinville. The calling hours for Betty will be held on Wednesday, October 29th from 4 to 7 PM at Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon Street, Fitchburg. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 30th at 11 AM at Rollstone Congregational Church, 199 Main Street, Fitchburg. Burial will take place at a later date in St. Joseph Cemetery, Fitchburg. Please join us for a catered luncheon at the church, directly following the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Betty’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 100 North Parkway, Worcester, MA 01605. www.andersonfuneral.com

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Betty F. Shepard, Fitchburg

July 27, 1939 - October 23, 2025