Mary Jane Shepherd, 86, of Brownsburg, IN, passed away with family at her side on Friday, January 28, 2022.
Born September 16, 1935 in Indianapolis, IN. She was the daughter of Donald R. Fargo, Sr. and Rose Ellen (Doll) Fargo. She married Vernon L. Shepherd on May 30, 1953.
Mary Jane attended Zenas Grade School and graduated from North Vernon High School in 1953. She worked as an attendant at Muscatatuck State School for 5 years. Moving with her family to Indianapolis, Mary Jane attended IUPUI School of Nursing and earned her Associate of Arts in 1970. She worked at Riley Hospital for 5 years then continued her education and earned her Bachelor of Science in 1976, her Masters in Nursing in 1981, and she was half way through her doctorate when her health prevented her from finishing. Mary Jane became an Associate Professor in 1981 at IUPUI School of Nursing. She was selected Outstanding Teacher by the classes of 1981 and 1989. She was published in various medical publications and journals.
Mary Jane was self-taught in computer technology and transitioned from teaching nursing fundamentals to installing and troubleshooting all the computers in the School of Nursing. She solved computer problems for instructors and staff until her retirement in 1999. In addition to teaching she served on the Board of Directors for United Cerebral Palsy of Central Indiana and was nurse during adult CP summer camp at Camp James Whitcomb Riley in Bradford Woods. For her service in all of these areas, she received many awards.
Based on her experience of becoming a nursing student at age 33 with 3 young children, Mary Jane and Vernon established a scholarship to offer nursing students the same opportunity she had.
Mary Jane enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, gardening, and time with family; especially the weekly family Sunday Lunches. Survivors include her husband Vernon, sister Judith A. Olson and brother Donald R. Fargo, Jr. Children: Lee (Leatrice) Shepherd, Mark (Peggy) Shepherd, Lois (Dan) Farley. Grandchildren: Devin (Kristi) Farley, Lecia (Nate) Floyd, Kendra (Tony) Shaw, Matt (Veronica) Shepherd, Peter (Maggie) Shepherd, Joe (Rylee) Shepherd, and 14 great grandchildren. Proceeded in death by her parents, one brother John J. Fargo, and one sister Paula Jeanne (Fargo) Holzman. In lieu of flowers donate to the charity of your choice.  Her Life Celebration will be on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Plainfield Christian Church, 800 N Dan Jones Rd, Plainfield, IN 46168. Visitation and sharing memories with the family will be from 2 - 5 pm with a brief service at 2:30 pm. Please enter door number 3.