Linda Lee (Mattes) Shepherd

Linda Lee Shepherd, 58, of New Haven passed away peacefully February 10th, 2021 surrounded by her loving friends and family.

Linda was a strong, gentle, capable woman who raised four kind, conscientious, children. She was the daughter of the late David Mattes and Rose Mattes, who survives. Linda loved playing games, almost as much as she loved to win them. She loved to create; by way of elaborately icing cakes, crafting projects, or building an inspired home. Linda was cherished by all sides of her family. She loved her husband, Pat, so dearly and was so deeply beloved by him.

We weren't ready for her to leave us, but those close to her heart understand there is somewhere else she needed to be, someone else she needed to help, some other purpose for her vast love. Her organ and tissue donations, her last gifts for our world, will be used to help dozens nationwide.

She is survived by her mother Rose, husband Patrick, children Rachel, Nick, Adam, and Elizabeth, her sister Melissa and brother Eric.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, February 18th 2021 at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church. Folks are encouraged to join the service virtually via the online stream. Visitation will be held Wednesday February 17, 2021 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Divine Mercy Funeral Home. Face masks and social-distancing will be enforced. Linda will be buried at Saint John Catholic Cemetery in New Haven, adjacent to her father.

Preferred Memorials are St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Allen County SPCA or Malala Fund- invests in education activists and advocates who are driving solutions to barriers to girls' education in their communities.

St. John the Baptist School and Church of New Haven  https://www.sjnewhaven.org/

Allen County SPCA — https://allencountyspca.org/

The Malala Fund — https://malala.org/