Marie Francoise Agnes Caron Shepard died peacefully on March 31, 2023, at her Duvall, Washington home surrounded by her loving family. She was 86 years old. Fran was the first of nine children born to Omer and Marie Anne (Boulay) Caron on June 3, 1936, in Fort Kent, ME. She had very fond memories of growing up in northern Maine and she was proud of her Acadian Heritage.

She was predeceased by her parents Omer and Marie Anne, brothers Paul, John, Mike “Mickey,” David, sister Dolores “Dodo” (Caron) Plourde and daughter Christine (Shepard) Dahl.

She is survived by brothers, Roger Caron and his wife Marie, Joe (Reno) Caron and his wife Martha, sister Therese Caron and brother-in-law Omer Plourde spouse of the Dolores (Caron) Plourde plus many nieces and nephews.

Fran was the wife of the late Roland L. Shepard from 1956 to 1982 and the mother of four children, Christine, Michael, Robert and Catherine.

She is survived by son in law Kevin Dahl, spouse of the Christine (Shepard) Dahl, Michael Shepard, Robert and Jodi (McLean) Shepard, Alex and Catherine (Shepard) Zamora; 9 grandchildren; Jordan, Spencer, Audrey, Tegan, Nicholas, Adam, Samantha Jo, Lilia and James; and 5 great grandchildren; Sequoia Rain, Claire, Emma, Sean Michael and Indie.

Fran dreamed of becoming a nurse from the time she was a teenager. She accomplished her goal by putting herself through college, graduating and becoming a Registered Nurse September of 1985 at the age of 49. She had a special heart for geriatric patients and expanded her education and work in this area. She loved being a nurse. She spent most of her career working in the medical psych unit at Valley Medical Center in Renton WA. After she retired from VMC she continued to serve her community by working in Home Care through ResCare in Everett, WA.

Fran was a Charismatic Catholic who loved Jesus with all her heart. Her dedication to community service clearly extended the hands of Christ to those in her neighborhood, workplace and church. She treasured her family and friends. She enjoyed church, animals, music, horticulture, birds, books, journaling, food, and all things beautiful. She was a woman of unwavering faith, integrity, and strength. She had deep respect for human life, especially the most vulnerable. She always found a way to help others whether it was through her hands or through her prayers.

Here are some kind words that were spoken about Fran by friends, family, and colleagues:

“She was a splendid person, kind, generous and considerate. The world ought to have many more as her own fine self.”

“She was a class act.”

“Your mom was a godsend to our family.”

“She added love, grace and caring to this world.”

“Through you God has brought love to me.”

“She was my rock, my teacher.”

“She was a leader.”

Fran was asked what her final words would be if she only had 2 minutes to share them and this is what she said:

“Praise God. Seek the truth. Forgive each other and don’t hold grudges. God never gives up on you. Never give up the challenge of accepting our Lord Jesus Christ and His resurrection in your life. I believe in life ever after and we will all be together again in peace and love.”

Amen Momma!

May you rest in His peace. You are loved and cherished. You will be dearly missed.