Martha Shaw Shepard
PUTNAM — Martha S. Shepard, 103, formerly of Ballou Street, died Feb. 2, 2024, at Matulaitis Nursing Home.
Born on May 31, 1920 in Putnam, she graduated from the old Putnam High School (the former town hall), and attended Willimantic Normal School.
For 41 years, she was the wife of the late Everett G. Shepard Jr. (Commander, USN, former mayor of Putnam). Martha was the daughter of the late George Stanley Shaw Sr., and Florence (Gilbert) Shaw.  She spent much of her life raising and caring for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She worked at Brandon School (Natick, Mass.), Furlongs Candy, and Putnam Library until she was 81. Returning to live in Putnam in 1978, Martha was a faithful attendee of the Annual Ballard Reunion. She was an avid reader. She had a deep spiritual faith and was a long-time member of Living Faith United Methodist Church in Putnam.  Known for her positive outlook on life, Martha brought joy to all who knew her. Wherever she was, “was where she needed to be.”
As the wife of a Navy pilot, Martha moved on average every two years, living in: Pensacola, Fla.; San Diego, Calif.; Annapolis, Md.; Norfolk, Vir.; Monterey, Calif.; Winchester, Mass.; Willow Grove, Penn.; Bermuda; Springfield, Vir.; Framingham, Mass.
She leaves her sons, Everett G. Shepard III (Patricia) of Woodstock, Jonathan Shepard (Carolyn Nadeau) of Pomfret and Fred Meserve of The Villages, Fla.; her daughter, Leslie Shepard Clark (Stephen) of Framingham; 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sons, Peter Shepard, Mark Shepard and Nicholas Shepard; her brother, George Stanley Shaw Jr. and her sister, Patricia Hall.  She was also predeceased by her special friend Leo DeLisle.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service officiated by Pastor Ross Johnson at the Living Faith United Methodist Church, 53 Grove St., Putnam, at 1 p.m. Feb. February 25. All are welcome to attend the reception to follow in the church hall. Private burial in Putnam Heights Cemetery will take place at a future date. Donations may be made to Living Faith United Methodist Church, 53 Grove St., Putnam, CT 06260. Gilman and Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St. Putnam.

Doris Roy Dery
N. GROSVENORDALE — Doris Roy Dery, 94, of School St., died Feb. 6, 2024, at Westview Healthcare.  She was the wife of the late Norman E. Dery. Born in 1929 in N. Grosvenordale, she was the daughter of the late Alphonse and Bertha (Duquette) Roy.
On April 23, 1949, at St. Joseph Church in N. Grosvenordale she was united in marriage to Norman E. Dery, who predeceased her on Feb. 13, 1997.
Mrs. Dery worked for Bates Shoe Company where she was the first woman shoe cutter.
She was a life member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post #10088 in Quinebaug and past president, vice president, and secretary of the former L’union Baptistè. But, above all she cherished the time that she spent taking care of her family.
She leaves her daughter, Diane D. Dery of Eastford. She was predeceased by her children, Paul R. Dery and Jeanne M. Dery, and her siblings, Roger Roy and Eva Benoit.
The Mass of Christian Burial was Feb. 12 in St. Joseph Church, N. Grosvenordale, with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery. Valade Funeral Home and Crematory, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale.

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