Charlotte Sheppard DeVan dies at 92

Standardbred breeder and owner Charlotte Sheppard DeVan, 92, whose father Lawrence B. Sheppard founded Hanover Shoe Farms, died Tuesday, Jan.1 2013, at her home with her loving family by her side.

Born August 30, 1920, in San Antonio, Texas, Mrs. DeVan was the daughter of the late Lawrence B. and Charlotte Newton Sheppard. She was the wife of the late William Todd DeVan II, MD.

Mrs. DeVan was graduated from Harcum Junior College in Philadelphia. Having a strong sense of patriotism, she was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, where she held the title of former State Regent. She was a member of the Colonial Daughters of the 17th Century, the Order of the Crown of Charlemagne, and a longtime member of the Hanover (Pa.) Country Club. She was also a founding member of the former St. Vincent's Catholic Elementary School PTA.

Mrs. DeVan enjoyed racing and breeding Standardbred horses and was a past member of the board of directors of the Hanover Shoe Farms. She enjoyed spending time with her family and especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by three sons, Lawrence Sheppard DeVan and his wife Ann of Greenwich, Conn.; William Todd DeVan Jr. and his wife Melody of Marlton, N.J., and Russell Newton DeVan and his wife Karen of Scottsdale, Ariz.; seven grandchildren, Jennifer L. DeVan, Nathan R. DeVan, Stuart Todd DeVan, Elizabeth Sheppard DeVan, Brian M. Connors, Jeffrey S. Connors and Brooke Austin DeVan; and two great-grandchildren, Grace Elizabeth Connors and Ellie Hannah Connors. She was preceded in death by one brother, Lawrence Baker (Sonny) Sheppard Jr., and two sisters, Alma S. Tolhurst and Patricia S. Winder.

Contributions may be made in Mrs. DeVan's memory to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, c/o Memorial Hospital, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065; or to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-3678. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com.

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