HELEN LOUISE SHEPHERD, 64, beloved wife of John Kimball Tallarico, passed away suddenly on February 29, 2024 in Nashua, New Hampshire. She was born on January 16, 1960 in New York, New York, to Frederick R. and Bette Shepherd. Helen graduated from Daniel Hand High School in Madison, CT in 1977, attended Keene State College in Keene, NH, and graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, NY with a degree in textile technology. Helen lived in New York City after graduation from college and moved to New Hampshire where she lived for 37 years.
Helen was a devoted mother, a serious and accomplished runner, and a pilot. She was a wonderful cook, gardener and beekeeper, and ran a small farm named Dragonfly Farm with her husband, John, in Wilton, NH. She loved animals and maintained Highland cows, Icelandic sheep, chickens, and bees. Helen enjoyed working in a variety of fashion and other retail locations in New York City and New Hampshire for many years.
In addition to her husband, John, Helen is survived by her loving children, Morgan Shepherd Bartholomew (Zachary Bartholomew), Graham Shepherd Bradler, their father, Christopher Bradler, and her sisters, Fran Van Tienen (Clinton, CT), Lois Shepherd (Osprey, FL), and Laura Deykerhoff (Little Silver, NJ).
She was a bright shining light and she will be missed by all who knew her warmth, humor, and affection.
In remembrance of Helen’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Future Farmers of America (FFA).
No funeral or memorial service is immediately planned. The family will notify loved ones when a service is scheduled.
