EmmaLadd "Emy" Shepherd

Monson- EmmaLadd (Emy) Shepherd died on October 6, 2026. Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, she lived in Columbia, MO, Temple, TX, New Haven, CT and Springfield, MA before moving to Monson permanently in 1974. She graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a teaching degree and taught for several years in Columbia.

After moving to Massachusetts, she worked for the Mass Rehabilitation Commission, Northampton State Hospital and Child and Family Service in Springfield before working at Monson Developmental Center from 1976 until her retirement in 1994.

Since then, she worked for Municipal Public Access Television, Monson Junior-Senior High School; started the Computer Mommy business, giving lessons and support to individuals as well as teaching classes at the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corp., Top Floor Learning and the Yellow House, all in Palmer.

She has performed many hours of volunteer work including serving the town of Monson as Emergency Management Director, also with the Monson Arts Council, the Monson Historical Society, the Quaboag Valley against Casinos, Citizens for a Palmer Rail Stop and the Keep Homestead Museum, serving in many capacities including the Chair of the Board of Directors at the Keep. She was chosen Monson Citizen of the Year in 2014.

She will be missed by her son, Mark Johnson, his wife Donna, their children Lou and Alice, all of Bridgewater, MA and her daughter, Barbara Shepherd and her husband Bob Price of Monson, and many friends in Monson and in the area.

Lombard Funeral Home has been entrusted with Emy’s arrangements. Visitation will be Friday, October 16, 2026 from 4-6 pm in the funeral home. At Emy’s request, there will be a party for all at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Monson Open Pantry PO Box 566 Monson, MA 01057, or Keep Homestead Museum, P.O. Box 14 Monson, MA.