Barbara June (Stannard) Shepard

Barbara (Stannard) Shepard, 92, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026. Born on June 15, 1933, in Wellsville, New York, she was the daughter of the late R. Dow Stannard and Lucille (Jordan) Stannard. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Karen Sweer, and her husband, Leon; her son, Daniel Shepard, and his wife, Britta; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly; and her adored cat, Willow, who brought her great joy and who held a special place in Barbara's heart. She was a descendent of both John Alden of the Mayflower, through her father's ancestry, and the Indian Chief present at the first Thanksgiving, through her mother.

After graduating from Wellsville Senior High School in upstate New York, Barbara attended the Tobe-Coburn School for Fashion Careers in New York City. Her interest in fashion remained with her throughout her life and led her to co-own and operate JV Jordan, a clothing store on Long Island, and later, My Little Secret, a shop specializing in purses and leather goods on Trindle Road in Mechanicsburg.

Barbara enjoyed traveling and was always interested in seeing new places and experiencing different cultures. Her favorite destinations were Paris, where she and her family lived from 1966-1967, and Provence in southern France where the markets, food, decor and relaxed lifestyle truly appealed to her.

A creative person, Barbara found enjoyment in making beaded jewelry and was a member of a local beading group. She valued the friendships she made there as much as the jewelry she created. Barbara will be remembered for her sense of style, love of laughter, creativity and certainly, her sense of humor! Common adjectives to describe her in recent years were feisty and independent. Those who knew her will remember her warmth, her determination, happy memories they shared with her, and her love of the color yellow.

The family would like to thank the caregivers and friends who provided Barbara with kindness and support throughout her later years.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Buhrig Funeral & Cremation, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 on Sunday, August 9, 2026 from 10:30-11:30, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:30 with Chaplain Betty Fundalewicz officiating. After the service, the family will continue with a private gathering. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville, NY, at the family's convenience.

Please visit Buhrig.com to read Barbara’s full obituary and to share condolences, memories and photographs in her online guest book.