Barb Sheppard

August 5, 2022
Barb Sheppard passed away on August 5, 2022 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease. Barb is known for her dedication to serving her fellow community members, especially those most at-risk, through both her personal and professional pursuits. Barb started her career in Red Deer in the mid-1970's as a residential aide working with developmentally disabled adults at the Michener Center, and while her career path took a different route, she maintained her service to this population as a board member of the Society of Parents and Friends of Michener Center for almost 2 decades.
In the 1980's Barb embarked on, what was at the time, a new industry, the career development field, where she spent almost 40 years helping individuals with barriers to employment seek, secure and maintain meaningful careers. Barb's contributions to the career development field in Red Deer are extensive. She worked as an employment consultant at both Excel Career Services and Employment Placement and Support Services before opening her own business, Career Assistance Network which she operated from 1996 until her retirement in 2016. Through her efforts 1000's of individuals in the Central Alberta region have experienced increased confidence and self-sufficiency through employment.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Barb's passion for supporting and serving others is evident in her contributions to numerous community organizations and boards including:
• Member of Safe Harbour Society, 2008 - 2016
• Member of Society of Parents & Friends of Michener Center, 2001 - 2016
• Member board of directors, Canadian Mental Health, 2001 - 2004
• Vice chairman, board of directors, Michener Centre, 1998 - 2001
• Friends of the Raiders Parent Advisory Committee, 1993 - 1995
• Scouts Canada, youth leader & regional trainer, 20+ years
Barb's extensive contributions to the citizens of Red Deer have been acknowledged through various awards and commendations including the Premiere's Award of Excellence and the 2009 Woman of Excellence Asward. Barb will always be remembered as an exceptional service provider who dedicated her career to serving others and for her passion to assist the most vulnerable among us.
Barb is survived by her children, Kathryn (Stan) McMaster, Shaune (Sheldon) Fandrey, Rus (Kelli-Ann) King and Aaron (Joanna) Sheppard as well as her grandchildren, Aaron (Tiffany) Suchy, Madison (Brandon) Boven, Parker (Stephanie) Fandrey, Tanner (Sidney) Fandrey, Sydney (Cory) Ducharme, Frank (Tabitha) McMaster, Taylor (Garrett) Robson, Payton (Cole) Young, Noah King, Dontae Bruntjen, Hannah and Zander King and great grandchildren, Barrett and Teagan Suchy, Gwendolynn Boven, Taven Brockway and Odin Robson.
A celebration of Barb's life will be hosted on Friday, August 12th at 11am at Kentwood Alliance Church.
In memory of Barb's life, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society.