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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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Geraldine 'Terry' Shepard
GERALDINE "TERRY" SHEPARD
Cedar Rapids
Terry passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 89 on Dec. 16, 2016.
Born Oct. 8, 1927, in Chicago, she was the only child of William A. Smith and Violet Moe Smith Duchane Miller. She married Louis E. Shepard on July 7, 1951.
Terry attended Coe College (Class of 1952), where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority. She worked part time at Harmon Taylor Actuarial Service while attending Coe, then at McGladrey until the birth of her first child.
In 1973, after a season with H&R Block, she opened her own company, GESCO, and became an enrolled agent with the IRS.
Upon the untimely death of her husband in 1979, Terry began her 24-year career as a stockbroker with Securities Corporation of Iowa and Wells Fargo. During her career she also served on numerous boards, including the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, YWCA, Planned Parenthood and Waypoint. Terry was an early member of Professional Women's Network and also a member of PEO Chapter GM, Tourist Club, SCORE and American Contract Bridge League.
She had a great love for her family, traveling, Coe College, reading, gardening and playing duplicate bridge. She enjoyed attending performances at the beautiful Paramount Theater and TCR.
Terry was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
She is survived by her five children, Linda Shepard, Robert (Judy) Shepard, Laura Shepard, Martha McCurry and William (Rocky) Shepard; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
The family would like to express thanks to Cottage Grove Place, Care Pro, UnityPoint Hospice and SYNERGY Homecare, all of whom helped make Terry's final days comfortable and peaceful.
An extra special loving thanks to Dr. Mary Anne Nelson, who without her dedicated and caring expertise, we wouldn't have had as much time with Terry as we did.
There will be a private family burial. No funeral is planned per Terry's request. A Celebration of Life is scheduled on Jan. 14 in Sedlacek Hall at Cottage Grove Place from 2 to 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Terry Shepard Scholarship Fund at Coe College or Camp Courageous.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.
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