Joaquina Catalan Sheppard, 90, of St. George, Utah, died Thursday, June 29, 2023, at her home. She was born August 21, 1932, in Chichihualco, Guerrero, Mexico to Francisco Catalan Nava and Consuelo Catalan Nava. She was raised and attended schools in Mexico, graduating from the Istapalapa secondary school No. 1. She subsequently attended the College of Accounting in Mexico City.  She obtained work in a medical laboratory, also in Mexico City, where she worked until her marriage.

On June 8, 1955, she married the one and only love of her life, Glen Milo Sheppard in the Idaho Falls, Idaho, Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was the office manager for her husband in his medical practice offices in Redding, California; Rexburg, Idaho; Idaho Falls, Idaho; and St. George, Utah. She was baptized and became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when she was 18 years old, and she served in many capacities in the church including Relief Society, Young Women camp leader, Primary worker, and she served as a missionary, along with her husband, in Peru, Bolivia, Mexico, and Utah.

She enjoyed working with her husband, raising her children, decorating her home, taking college classes, and entertaining in her home. She also enjoyed motorcycle trips with her husband, camping, water skiing, and spending time with her children. She was an excellent cook - never by recipe - and enjoyed hosting dinner parties for friends and family. Her Mexican cooking was renowned.

She is survived by a son, Kirk Glen (Pam) Sheppard of St. George, Utah; daughters: Gail Suzanne Walker of Salt Lake City; Joaquina (Eric) Golberg of Simi Valley, California; Ana Maria (Michael) Jeanfreau of Salem, Oregon; Sara Louise Sheppard of St. George, Utah; and Dian Consuelo Sheppard of St. George, Utah; sisters: Mari Catalan of Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico and Maria del Refugio (Solio) Rosas of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico; 22 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Katharine Marie Kvarfordt, her parents, and a brother, Jesus.

She received excellent love and care from the owners and staff of Enhabit Hospice, and of Canyon Hospice. The family would like to express their sincere thanks for everything they did for their mother.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd, St. George, Utah with Bishop Thomas A. Carpenter conducting. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. prior to the services at the mortuary. Burial will be at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.

Live streaming webcast is available by clicking on the broadcast below. Webcast will remain on-line for 90 days.

Joaquina Sheppard Funeral Service Program