Angela L Shepherd

Angela L. Shepherd, aged ninety-two, passed away on July 21, 2026.

Angela was born in Bandung, Indonesia, on June 16, 1934. Her parents, of Chinese descent, moved from China to Indonesia to raise their family. Angela was a “gift” to her parents, as she tells it, being born fourteen years after her youngest sister. Angela most definitely lived her life as if she were just that gift. Although small in stature, standing at barely 4’11”, she was a force. 

Angela met and married her husband, John B. Shepherd, while he served in the United States Coast Guard in Indonesia. Having completed her nursing training, they began what would be a long, loving, and adventure-filled life together. Their travels were extensive, and her stories were captivating. While living in Indonesia, her husband gave her Raja, her own elephant. She spoke of Raja with such joy and proudly displayed photos of her with her beloved elephant. Her husband adored her, wanted her to have everything she ever dreamed of, and gifted her the most beautiful grand piano. She played beautifully. He loved hearing her play, and in turn she often played for him and the community. She continued to play her piano until the last year of her life.

Angela loved animals of all kinds. Animal Planet was her favorite channel. Her home was always filled with cats and dogs, some chosen, but most found their way to her. Many years ago, while walking her dog one day, a black cat started to follow her everywhere she went. The cat would traipse right behind her and her dog. The cat followed her home, and from then on, would walk behind her daily. To her, the cat behaved like a dog, and so she named her new pet Cat-Dog. (You would have to hear her tell it to get the whole effect). Another cat that found its way to her was a tiny orange kitten, brought down a tree by a squirrel while she was sitting on a park bench. She was enjoying the cooler weather in October and was happy to have been given this kitten. She named her tiny gift Squirrel-Oc, and I am sure you know why. You would have to pronounce the name correctly, or she would tell you that is not how you say his name. You roll the r’s. I can hear her corrections in her Indonesian accent. Perfect.

At 4:10 a.m., July 21st, 2026, Angela died in her home, with Cat-Dog, Squirrel-Oc, and those who loved and cared for her for many years by her side. She lived a full, eclectic life, and always on her terms. Our elegant, confident, passionate, Indonesian Princess will be deeply missed.

Adult Advocacy & Representation, Inc., would like to thank Tidewell Hospice, Home Instead of Bradenton, and First Light of Bradenton/Manatee for providing Angela with exceptional care.

Angela consistently had the same caregivers over several years. While she did not let many into her world, those she did let in stayed. She lived a truly incredible life. Our lives are richer for having known her.

On August 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., Angela will be buried with her husband at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a no-kill animal shelter and Tidewell Hospice