Susan Marie Shepherd, 75, of Goshen, NJ, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, at Cooper University Hospital.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, Susan was the daughter of the late Milton "Shep" Shepherd and Anna E. (Maas) Shepherd. She was raised in South Philadelphia and graduated from South Philadelphia High School before earning her degree in Special Education, Summa Cum Laude, from West Chester State College in 1971.

Susan dedicated over four decades of her life to the Middle Township High School. She began her career at Elementary #1 in Middle Township before moving to Middle Township High School, where she taught special education mathematics. She also served as the advisor to the National Honor Society for nearly 20 years, mentoring countless students and encouraging academic excellence. Her passion for teaching and care for her students were evident in all she did.

Beyond the classroom, Susan lived a vibrant and giving life. She was an avid traveler, a devoted friend, and a lifelong animal lover. She volunteered extensively with local animal welfare organizations—walking dogs, cleaning pens, and even adopting several animals herself. Her commitment was recognized when she received the Middle Township Volunteer of the Year Award. She also served as secretary for the Goshen Volunteer Fire Company.

A lover of nature, Susan found great joy in feeding and watching birds—particularly hummingbirds—and captured their beauty through her keen eye for photography. Her landscapes and travel photos, especially from Ireland and Hawaii, reflected her appreciation for the world around her. She had a natural talent for gardening and took pride in making her home and her parents’ home in Goshen beautiful, a passion she deeply missed in later years due to back issues.

Though Susan never had children of her own, she played an important role in helping raise six children at different times throughout her life. Her generous heart and steadfast presence left a lasting impact on each of them.

Susan was a woman of faith who loved Jesus and attended Goshen Methodist Church and then Lighthouse Church. She especially enjoyed attending the Lighthouse Church’s monthly senior luncheons, where she cherished the fellowship and home-cooked meals shared among friends.

She is survived by her siblings Nancy Shepherd, Dorothy Hewitt, and Robert Shepherd; five nieces and nephews; and eight great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved maternal grandmother, Anna E. (Boedewig) Maas.

Susan will be remembered for her warmth, dedication, and deep love for her family, students, community, and all of God’s creatures. She is now reunited with her parents and at peace in the presence of the Lord.

A private memorial service will be held in the fall.

Rev 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.