Gwendolyn Bjorkman Shepherd

Gwendolyn Bjorkman Shepherd, age 85, passed away peacefully at her home in Centerville, Utah on February 17, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones.

Gwen was born to Eveline Brough and Arthur Edmund Bjorkman in Price, Utah, on December 10, 1937. She grew up in Bountiful, Utah and attended Davis High School where she was the President of Pro Schola and one of several valedictorians of her 1956 graduating class.

Gwen earned a bachelor's degree in Home Economics Education in 1961 from the University of Utah. While at the U of U, Gwen was a member of the orchestra, the debate team, a reporter for the “Chronical,” the President of the Home Economics Club, and a member of Alpha Phi Sorority.

During her time at the University of Utah, Gwen met her husband, Jim, and they were married in her family home in Bountiful, Utah on August 9, 1960. Jim and Gwen had three beautiful children: Sherilyn Shepherd Sauvé (Centerville), Kirk Vincent Shepherd (Bountiful), and Natalyn Shepherd (Centerville). Their family was sealed for eternity in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple on their 20^th wedding anniversary in 1980.

Gwen taught school for ten years while raising her family. She enjoyed reading, cooking, playing games with family and friends, hosting family gatherings, swimming, gardening, traveling, skiing, celebrating her grandchildren, and spending time with her sisters. She was an avid patron of the arts and enjoyed sharing quality music, film, literature, and theater with friends and family. Together, Gwen and Jim found joy in building and sharing their beloved family cabin in Pinedale, Wyoming. Gwen often called it her “happy place.”

Gwen is remembered as a loyal friend, and one who had a quick and witty sense of humor. She was tenacious and determined as well as cultured and refined. She was resilient in the face of challenges and deeply dedicated to the service of her loved ones. She remained an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints throughout her life.

Gwen was preceded in death by her husband, James (Jim) Joseph Shepherd, and five siblings: Leola, Doris, George, Hal, and Keith.  Gwen is survived by her sisters Marilyn (Waite) and Carolyn (Przekurat); children: Sherilyn Shepherd Sauvé, Kirk Vincent Shepherd, and Natalyn Shepherd (Alex Mikheykin); grandchildren: Lynaya Sauve Hernandez (Andrew Jared Hernandez), Tyler James Shepherd, Amanda Marie Shepherd (Jeremy Hau Lam), Philip Mikheykin and Maryna Mikheykina; and great grandchildren: Lynlee Isabella Hernandez, Dax James Hernandez, and Lynelle Maria Hernandez.

Funeral Services for Gwen will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023, in Centerville at the Porter Lane LDS Chapel, 436 West 400 South, at 11 am. A viewing will be held prior to services at the same location from 9:45 to 10:45 am. There will also be a viewing on Thursday, February 23, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 in the evening at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main Street, Bountiful, UT. Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery, 1640 Lakeview Drive, Bountiful, UT.

Services will be streamed live on Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and on this obituary page.