Audrey Sheppard

Audrey Elizabeth Delucchi Sheppard, age 100, passed away on May 10, 2013 in her Sutter Creek home. She was born in San Francisco, California on October 16, 1912 to John A. Delucchi and Lucy Wadge Delucchi. After her birth, the family returned to their Sutter Creek home where Audrey lived for the rest of her life. Audrey's family roots in Amador County were deep and distinguished. Her Wadge ancestors immigrated from the mines of Cornwall, England to Australia and then to Sutter Creek. Her mother, like Audrey, lived her entire life in the same Sutter Creek home. Audrey's father, known locally as "Doctor," was raised in Volcano and was the leading dentist of the region for many years. Her uncle, Daniel Ramazzotti, was a Sutter Creek native who operated Knight's Foundry and served 27 years as a County Supervisor. He was also the matchmaker who introduced Audrey's mother to her father. Fittingly, it was Uncle Dan's wife, Elizabeth (Aunt Ebbie), who introduced Audrey to her future husband, Mervin Sheppard. On behalf of her aunt, the Sunday School Superintendent, Audrey paid Mervin his weekly wages of 10 dimes for his sweeping and bell-ringing services at Sutter Creek Methodist Church. They were married there on October 4, 1941 and enjoyed 65 years of happiness together. Following his WW II service, Mervin served 25 years as Sutter Creek's Postmaster. Audrey, herself, served the community as a gifted organist and pianist at the Sutter Creek Methodist Church and later at the Valley Springs Methodist Church, a service that spanned over 60 years altogether. She was very active in church and community social functions and delighted in entertaining friends and family in their home. The Sheppards loved nature and the great outdoors. They hiked throughout the Bay Area and walked across the Golden Gate Bridge on its opening day in 1937. They also hiked over most of Yosemite's trails and climbed the hills and mountains of Amador and Alpine Counties capped by numerous arduous "crosscountry" ascents of Mokelumne Peak. At home, their love of nature was shown in their yard and gardens. These verdant grounds are dotted with lawns, flowers, and a large variety of trees and shrubs all lovingly nurtured and tended. Their beauty reflects a lifetime love of gardening which provided the perfect setting for countless parties, barbecues, and family gatherings. Audrey's unique characteristics included her limitless vitality and enthusiasm. She possessed a bubbly zest for life and a sincere interest in others that impressed all who knew her and undoubtedly contributed to her longevity. Audrey was preceded in death by her husband Mervin in 2006. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Drew Sheppard, a second cousin, Edward Wadge, many nieces and nephews, and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service and reception on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 11:00 am at the Sutter Creek Methodist Church, 14 Main Street in Sutter Creek. Interment will follow at the Sutter Creek City Cemetery.