Holly Christine Sheppard, age 56, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2023, surrounded by her family in her sister’s home in Toms River. She valiantly fought cancer for more than a decade. Holly was born on December 5, 1966, in Lakewood, NJ to Frank and Patricia Sheppard. She graduated from Toms River High School South in 1985, received her Associates in Science of Nursing from Ocean County College in 1987, and later her Bachelors in Science of Nursing from Bloomfield College. For much of her life, Holly resided in Ocean County. In 2016, she relocated to Port Orange, Florida with her family. 

Holly was a gifted and charismatic health care professional, working for more than 26 years as a Registered Nurse (RN) and positively impacting so many lives and families. She served at Jersey Shore Medical Center, Atlantic City Medical Center, and Community Medical Center, where she finished her career when she received her diagnosis. She held many roles, including RN, Critical Care, Director of Patient Care, Educator, Rapid Response Team, and Nurse Supervisor. She was a stalwart advocate for patients throughout her career, but also for her fellow nurses, and she was a treasured mentor to many nurses. She leaves a lasting impact and legacy for all those in the nursing profession that she encountered throughout her career. For this reason, the family will be establishing a scholarship in Holly’s memory for nursing students at Ocean County College.

Everyone who was lucky enough to know Holly recognized her exuberant character and undying sense of humor. She offered smiles and supportive words to all she met, even in the depths of her health battle. She was also incredibly generous and enjoyed bestowing surprise gifts to those she loved. Amazon will surely miss her, as well. 

Throughout her long battle, Holly was a determined survivor. She vigilantly researched her condition and sought and endured first conventional then innovative treatments. She was treated by University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, then the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, MD, and finally Dana Farber in Boston, MA. At each institution she became a beloved patient and friend to the nurses who cared for her, and a champion and supporter of other men and women who also suffered her rare disease. Holly’s hopeful attitude and determination allowed her to enjoy life for significantly longer than many doctors predicted, enabling her to raise her children, celebrate many events, and make memories with Andrew, Tony, Alyssa, and her extended family. She will be remembered by all of us for her strength, determination, and optimism.

Holly is preceded in death by both her parents and her nephew, Franklin Sheppard, III. She is survived by her partner, Andrew Geraci, and their children Anthony (Tony) and Alyssa; her sister Tammy McGarrigan and her partner Kevin Carroll; brother Franklin Sheppard, Jr, and his partner Christine Gelles; brother Sean Sheppard and his wife Holly; and sister Shannon Maxwell and her husband Scott. As well as nieces Kelsey McGarrigan, Kate Sheppard, Shaye Maxwell and Kayleigh Gelles, and nephews Michael, Mark, Ben, Maddox and Jake Sheppard, Frederick Ecke V, and Skyler Maxwell. She is also remembered by her cousins and many friends. And because they meant so much to Holly, we must also mention her beloved dog children, Judge the Bulldog and Sissa the Shorkie, who will miss her hugs. 

Holly’s family will receive friends and family on Friday, December 1, 2023 from 3 pm to 8 pm at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River. The Nurse Honors Service will be presenting in Holly’s memory. All family and friends are welcome to attend, to share memories, stories and prayers for Holly.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/toms-river-nj/holly-sheppard-11559100