Leone Charlotte Shepherd, a devoted and loving mother, passed on January 7, 2025, at the age of 90.
Leone graduated from Osage High School then moved to Des Moines, Iowa to attend American Institute of Business (AIB). She met, then married Gary Shepherd. The two of them had 6 children, Gregory, Geoffrey, Garlin (Gar), Gerald, Griffith and Lorri (McWilliams). Leone was widowed early in life leaving her with the six children.
Leone met, then married David Burns. The two of them had a daughter, Dawn.
After Leone’s divorce from David, she moved back to Norwalk, Iowa where she and Gary had once lived. She entered the workforce. She held the role of mother and father in a time when that wasn’t common. Despite these struggles, she always provided a loving home for her children.
Leone worked for Mercy Hospital, the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Costco for many years. She was an active volunteer in her community supporting numerous programs such as the Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude’s Childrens organization, and supporting programs through the Catholic Church.
Leone was also involved in many social group’s: Catholic Widow/Widower’s and Red Hatters.
Leone had a strong sense of unwavering faith. She enjoyed music, dancing, knitting, taking walks, baking cookies and challenging anyone to a game of Farkle.
Leone’s family legacy includes many grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she adored. Additionally, Leone leaves behind her sister Dorothy (Doke) Kruse, brother Gary (Mick) Comisky, sister-in-law Roxana Shepherd Augustine, brother-in-law Clarence Kruse, her daughters-in-laws: Michelle (Shelly) Shepherd and Connie Shepherd, and her sons-in-laws: Mark McWilliams and Adnan Adil.
Leone’s love of life, compassion and consideration of others, sense of humor and dedication to family will be greatly missed.
Leone was preceded in death by husband, Gary Shepherd, her son Garlin Shepherd, her parents Leo and Charlotte Comisky and her siblings: Marlow, Maurice, Merwin (Irish), Harold (Hites), Mary Larson, Maureen Brooker, Kathy Laker and Margaret Comisky.
A service to honor Leone will take place on Monday, January 13th, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Norwalk, Iowa. The visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM with a luncheon following at 12:00 PM.
