Irene Anna Fleischer Shepherd

January 20, 1928 - February 21, 2019

Irene Anna Fleischer Shepherd 1928-2019 of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at 7:00pm at the age of 91. Irene was born January 20, 1928 in Salem, Ohio to John and Anna (Weinreich) Fleisher. She married John Robert Shepherd on June 20, 1950 and resided in Greenford, Ohio. For many years they raised champion Brown Swiss and Jersey dairy cattle, as well as vegetables for market on Long Lane Farm. She is survived by her husband, John Robert Shepherd of 68 years and four children: John (Sandy) Shepherd, Dr. Kathleen (George) Houk, Dr. Robin (Dr. Steven) Pusztay and Frederick Shepherd; three granddaughters: Annie Houck (James) Moore, Jacqueline Pusztay and Katie Houk; and great-grandchildren: Julianna, James, and John Moore. Irene was a graduate of Salem city Schools and attended The Ohio State University where she received a teaching certificate. She taught Sciences at Beaver Local and later West Branch Jr. and Sr. High Schools for many years. Irene was a former member of the Salem Presbyterian Church. Later attended St. Paul’s Catholic church with her granddaughter. The family has a variety of work that they were engaged in: John R. Shepherd (retired farmer, enamel inspector, split steel operator, horticulture nursery packer); Dr. Kathleen Houk (retired Dentist), (George: Farmer); Dr. Robin Pusztay (professor & dept. head of Horticulture), (Dr. Steven Pusztay: professor & dept. head of horticulture); Frederick Shepherd, MA (Nursery Manager); Jacqueline Pusztay, MBA (Accountant, Director of Figure Skating; Coach); Annie Houk, MS (school counselor); James Moore (Farmer, butcher); Katie Houk, MS (Key Carting Department Supervisor, farmer, small business co-owner). Irene was involved in showing dairy cattle at the Canfield, Columbiana, Wayne and Randolph fairs with her family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cape Fear Crematory in North Carolina. A memorial service is planned for a later date in Salem, Ohio.