Warm-hearted, devoted, and always full of life, Sandra May Shepherd, known affectionately as “Sam,” passed away on May 22, 2026, at age 68. Born in Harvey, IL, on February 5, 1958, Sam spent her life imbued with a deep love for her family and an unshakeable zest for life. A dedicated worker throughout her life, Sam held many roles over the years, but the ones she cherished most were mother, aunt and grandmother. Her warmth, wit, and generous spirit left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Sam's generosity knew no bounds. Sam’s Catholic faith was an important part of her life, reflected most clearly in the love, care, and devotion she showed to her family and friends. She believed deeply in caring for others and lived the words, ‘Above all, maintain constant love for one another.’ — 1 Peter 4:8

She was most proud of raising her four children: Amy, Matthew, Sarah, and Abigail. Her love for her family extended to her grandchildren, whom she adored: Tyler, Emma, Jason, Cody, Correena, Brooklyn and Caiden Shepherd, and Princeton and Tiger Nguyen. Sam's love of life was reflected in her hobbies, which included spending time with her family, gardening, completing jigsaw puzzles, watching movies, and traveling. A dedicated gardener, her home in Elgin, Illinois, was always blooming with beautiful flowers, a testament to her nurturing spirit and love for the beauty of life.

Sam is survived by her children, Amy Shepherd, Matthew Shepherd, Sarah Shepherd, and Abigail (Nathanial) Nguyen; her grandchildren, Tyler, Emma, Jason, Cody, Correena, Brooklyn and Caiden Shepherd, Princeton and Tiger Nguyen; and her siblings, Carol (the late Robert) Tabernacki, Ewing (Diane) Stephenson, Diana Sue (the late George) Hepburn, and Joyce Lynn (the late Larry) Southerland. She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her warmth and generosity.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyndon Stephenson and Jean (Leckner) Stephenson; and her sisters, Dorothy (Stephenson) Simon and Phoebe Stephenson.

Visitation will be 5:00pm to 9:00pm, Monday, June 1, 2026, and 10:00am to 11:00am, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120.

To access the Monday evening visitation remotely, loved ones are encouraged to log on via Zoom (Meeting ID: 897 0309 5169, Password: 350175).

Mass will be at 11:30am at St. Thomas More Church, 215 Thomas More Drive, Elgin, IL 60123. Fr. Dario Endiape will be officiating.

Interment to follow at River Valley Memorial Gardens, 14N689 Route 31, West Dundee, IL 60118.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.