Obituary: Barbara (Nikituk) Shepperd

Barbara (Nikituk) Shepperd, 73, died Wednesday, April 26 at the Hancock Hall Skilled Nursing Facility in Danbury.

Barbara had spent the past year at Hancock Hall. She had been beset with multiple medical issues, most significantly a 23-year battle with breast cancer. She was described recently by one of her physicians as a “formidable woman” in her fight to extend her life.

Prior to her stay in Danbury, Barbara was a 20-year resident of Shelton BUT always proclaimed her home as being “Evelyn Road in Derby” where she grew up.
Barbara and Wayne Shepperd have two daughters - the pride of both of their lives until, of course, the arrival of four grandchildren. “Nana Barb” is survived by daughter Stacey Galasso and her Beacon Falls family - husband Marc and their children Luke, Julia (named after Barbara’s mother) and Ginny. Also survived by daughter Pamela Shepperd Katra and her Naugatuck family - husband Matthew and son Nicholas (named after Barbara’s father).

Barbara is also survived by her sister and closest friend Mary Ann Bogusz of Shelton. She was pre-deceased by sister Susanne who lost her life soon after birth 70 years ago. Barbara has a small number of cousins, most especially Jean Abromaitis of Beacon Falls.

Barbara was a 1967 graduate of Derby High School and a 1971 graduate of Southern Connecticut State University. Additionally, she received a Masters in Education in 1973 from the University of Bridgeport.

Barbara was a full-time classroom teacher in the Derby school system and later a part-time reading specialist in the Oxford school system. She was a member of DKG (Delta Kappa Gamma) International Organization for Outstanding Women Educators.
Barbara enjoyed dancing, crafting, cooking/baking, Halloween costumes, being the family’s Easter Bunny and the color RED. But her main interest was her grandchildren. … Luke’s various sports interests; Julia’s ongoing growth in dancing; Ginny’s gymnastics and dancing; and Nicholas’ dinosaurs and trains.

Contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to the Hancock Hall Resident Council / Recreation Fund, 31 Staples Street, Danbury, CT 06810.

Services will conducted MONDAY, May 1 at Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth Street in Derby (9 a.m. - 10:15) followed by a Mass of Christian burial at Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Church at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Mount Saint Peter’s cemetery in Derby.

Friends may leave condolences at www.adzimafh.com.