Barbara L. Shepard

longtime islander, passed away September 5th, 2014.Barbara was born June 16th, 2018 to Major Luther Felker and Eva Grace Michael in Moscow Idaho in the home next door to the governors mansion. She spent her early years in NW Portland and the family ranch and peach orchard in Estacada, Oregon her horse Thom was her constant companion. She was a 1936 graduate of Grant High School, Portland where she played tennis & was nominated to be a contestant in the Portland Rose Princess pageant. After graduation she joined her beloved older sister Betty at Oregon State University and the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. After 1 year of college she moved back to Portland where she worked as an elevator operator for Meier & Frank Department Store and did live & print modeling for Oles Wortman & King in downtown Portland.She met John "Jack" Aiton in 1939 in Portland - while Jack was in dental school they eloped in 1940 in Grants Pass, Oregon. In October of 1942 Jack was killed in an automobile accident - Barbara gave birth to their daughter Barbara Jean in March of 1943. Upon the request of Major Felker - Jacks best friend and Fraternity brother Frank Shepard came to Portland to console Barbara in her time of grief. They fell in love. Frank & Barbara were married on August 1st, 1943. Barbara Jean was adopted by Frank in September of 1943 - the beginning of the family & husband that Barbara had dreamed, hoped, and prepared for as a young woman. Their first home was on Hillside Drive in San Francisco where Barbara gave birth to Frank III, & Mark Felker. The family continued to grow upon their return to Seattle where their youngest son John McEown was born. In 1955 Frank & Barbara returned full time to Franks beloved Bainbridge Island where he was born and raised. The family took on the task of making the grandparents remote beach cabin (complete with outhouse) at the end of Tolo Road into their family home. Years of family ensued. In 1962, Barbara gave birth to her last child, Charlotte.Barbara was proud to be a homemaker, mother & wife. Barbara was an accomplished classical pianist - Rachmaninoff's prelude in C sharp minor was one of her favorites. Barbara also loved acting in theater and received local acclaim for her part in the lead in "A Bicycle Built For Two" produced at the Mount Baker Clubhouse in.....She enjoyed gardening & cooking. She maintained her figure & fitness and was a fan of Jack Lalanne.Above all Barbara was a devout Christian and believer in Jesus Christ. Her faith sustained her during difficult times & brought her through her darkest hours to be blessed to live a life of filled with family & 55 years of marriage to the love & passion of her life Frank L. Shepard, Jr. (1916 - 1998).She is survived by her 5 children: Barbara Jean Black (Pete), Capt. Frank L. Shepard (Dana), Dr. Mark F. Shepard (Linda), Rev. John M. Shepard (Trudy), Charlotte Shepard Jaberi (Farhad). Barbara's legacy extends to 18 Grandchildren, 32 Great Grandchildren, 4 Great Great Grandchildren.Thank you to all who contributed to Mothers well being: Dr. Sundance Rodgers, Dr. David Cowan, Dr. Robert Scribner, Dr. Jared M. Hendler (Gail), Dr. Mark Rosenberg, Dede Shorett & Barbara's neighbors on Olympus Beach, Swedish Medical Center, and The Messenger House Care Center. A very very special thank you to Mary Kay Johncock - for all the love, laughter and special care of your "Queen". To our father, Frank L. Shepard Jr., standing by her with your love and devotion and your commitment to her care. To our sister, Charlotte, for her many years of selfless love and care for mom. Your devotion to her will be remembered by all of us. Internment & a family celebration of her life were held on September 20th, 2014.Arrangements provided by Cook Family Funeral Home.Remembrances in honor of Barbara may be made to: The Schizophrenia Research Society, Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church or The Simple Path