Naomi Mary (Jordan) Shepherd

Naomi Shepherd passed away peacefully Sept 10, 2026 at Mt Ida Mews in Salmon Arm at the age of 101. Predeceased by husband Thomas December 26,2022. Survived by children Darlene Bueckert (Barrie deceased), Janice Clancy (Gerald), Wayne Shepherd, Joanne Balt (Ryan), Tracey Johnson (Ted), 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Naomi was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan to Herb and Annie Jordan, the 10th of 11 children and the first to be born in a hospital. Farm life was tough but also great fun with so many siblings to share the happy times. Naomi sang, yodeled, played the guitar and harmonica and sipped at “potato champagne” with some of her sisters at the country dances. It is also rumored that they even had a recording made. Naomi was a prolific writer of poems, short stories (several were published in magazines and newspapers) and also naughty limericks. The Enderby Legion used one of her poems for the Remembrance Day Ceremony.

Naomi was 18 when she left the farm and joined the Air Force. Some of her favorite memories were of the time she spent in the forces drinking with her fellow cadets in the barracks, dancing, hijinks in NYC, and breaking curfew and having to scrub the floor with her toothbrush. During that time, she met Thomas Shepherd and they were married on Feb 15, 1946. Thomas was discharged first and Naomi was discharged at a later date. After they were both discharged they moved to Canoe where Tom went to work at the Coop mill in Canoe. They lived there for a few years then moved to North Broadview where they lived for over 50 years. They raised their five children there but it was also a second home to many of their children’s friends. Mom fed them all and mended their clothes as well. Most of the great grandchildren remember baking with “G.G”.

Mom had several jobs over the years. She worked at the fruit packing plant, picked apples, babysat and at 50 decided to become a tree planter. After doing that for a couple of years, she worked at Skimmiken Nursery. Mom had many hobbies. In her younger years she square danced and played ball. She was constantly knitting, crocheting and making quilts (so many people were the lucky recipients of her creations). She also enjoyed playing bridge, bowling, golfing and curling. Right to the end Mom enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and loved trivia and word games. Everyone that came into see her was expected to put a couple of pieces in the puzzle before they left.

In their 80’s, Naomi and Tom moved into a suite at Gerald and Jan’s. They lived there for about 13 years and when their health started to decline, they moved to Picadilly Terrace. As time went on mom became quite ill and moved into Mt Ida Mews. Even at 101 mom was still mentally active, up to date on world events, all the family happenings and or course all the care home gossip. Mom was always the champion of the underdog and her stubborn nature served her well when trying to help others. Mom always spoke her mind but you always knew where you stood with her and she had a heart of gold. We credit her longevity to being social, mentally active, creative, feisty and Cheese Whiz on toast every day.

The family would like to thank those at Mt Ida Mews who brightened her day and DRS Hepburn and Glenville. As per her wishes there will be no service. In lieu of flowers donations to the Legion are appreciated

FEISTY BUT WARM, GENEROUS, CARING AND KIND. REST IN PEACE MOM