Joyce Pierson Shepherd

Joyce Pierson Shepherd Obituary

November 17, 1939 – April 30, 2024

Joyce Pierson Shepherd, of Needham, MA, passed away on April 30, 2024. She was recently preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Henry Shepherd. She was also preceded in death by her brother, John Pierson. She is survived by her children, Julie (Matthew) Emery and Andrew (Kari) Shepherd, and her sister, Gale (Doug) McNish. She is also survived by five grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Joyce was born on November 17, 1939, to Dr. John and Doris Pierson, in Wilmington, Delaware. She graduated from Tower Hill School in Wilmington, DE, in 1957, which she attended from pre-K through 12th grade. Joyce always recounted many fond memories of growing up in Greenville, DE, and the surrounding area. She attended Wells College for two years after high school. She then followed her independent spirit to Boston, where she made friends, lived on Beacon Hill, and worked as a medical secretary at Children’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. After meeting and marrying Henry in 1965, she worked as a homemaker and dedicated mother. Later, she graduated with a Bachelors’ Degree in Women’s Studies from Wellesley College in 1996 as a Continuing Education student, an achievement of which she was very proud.

Over the years, Joyce and her family lived in Melrose, MA; Dover, MA; Ridgewood, NJ; and Westwood, MA. Joyce and Henry were most recently residents at North Hill in Needham, MA, where they made many new friends and lived life to the fullest. They also built a home in Cape Porpoise, ME. Joyce was instrumental in the design of the house that her whole family has come to love, especially when enjoying all coastal Maine has to offer.

Joyce was always active in community service. She coached the Westwood High School JV field hockey for a season in 1985 and could still name many of the 28 players on the team. She filled many roles in the Parish of the Good Shepherd in Waban, MA, and St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Dover, MA. She was also a member of St. Ann’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Kennebunkport, ME. Joyce regularly volunteered in Boston as a tutor at the St. John’s soup kitchen and at the Epiphany School. She was always available to listen, lend advice, and help in any way needed to friends and strangers alike. She was appreciated for her thoughtfulness and friendship more than she ever knew.

Following in her father’s footsteps, Joyce loved the game of golf. She was a member of the Bay State Seniors Golf Association, Dedham Country and Polo Club, and Cape Arundel Golf Club. She enjoyed playing in several different women’s leagues, as well as with Shep, on courses throughout the New England area and beyond.

A memorial service will be held at a future date.