Lasting Memories

Sonia Gay Shepard
Oct. 27, 1935-Aug. 18, 2025
Atherton, California

We celebrate the life of Sonia Gay Shepard, a fourth generation Californian, who passed away peacefully at her home in Atherton, California, on August 18, 2025, surrounded by her family, gardens, dogs, and devoted caregivers.

Born in Visalia, California, on October 27, 1935, to Otto and Carol Lambert, Sonia’s early life was marked by both tragedy and resilience. Orphaned at the age of two when her parents were lost in a plane crash, she was raised in Los Angeles by her aunt and uncle, Marguerite and George Wakefield. A bright student, Sonia was a proud recipient of the American Legion Award at Hamilton High School, recognizing her for courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship, and service—an honor she shared with her lifelong friend, Kay Stoever.

A member of Stanford University’s Class of 1957, Sonia remained intellectually and artistically curious throughout her life, a quality that shaped her passions, pursuits, and relationships. In 1955, she married Jack L. Shepard (deceased 1994), and together they raised four boys. A true ”Boy Mom”, Sonia moved to Atherton in 1965, where she created a warm and welcoming home for family and friends alike.

In 2002, Sonia married Edgar (Bud) McLellan (deceased 2022), a lifelong friend, who had been a groomsman in her wedding to Jack. They found joy and companionship in family, travel, and shared memories for two decades.

Her love of nature and adventure flourished in the High Sierras, where for 40 years she led family horse pack trips—most often in Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Park—introducing her children and grandchildren to the same wilderness her grandfather had once shared with her. An intrepid traveler, Sonia journeyed to Iran, Mongolia, China, Russia, Iceland, Europe, Japan, Kenya, and beyond.

Sonia’s life was defined by her generosity of spirit and commitment to community. She was a founding board member of the Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, a sustaining member of the Junior League of Palo Alto, and served on the boards of Mid-Peninsula Family Service, the Sequoia Fund, Delta Society, St. Elizabeth Seton School, and the Peninsula Ball. She maintained a lifelong connection to Stanford University and, beginning in 1965, opened her home to Stanford students, interns and other visiting students—ultimately welcoming 25 young people into her family circle.

An accomplished fine arts photographer, Sonia captured still-life images from around the world. She was also an enthusiastic skier, a devoted gardener, a member of the Atherton Garden Guild, a member of the Menlo Circus Club and the Town and Country Club. Her home was a gathering place, where she joyfully cooked, hosted, and welcomed friends from all walks of life—executives, academics, artists, tradespeople, and the friends of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Sonia is survived by her sons Roderick (Laurie) of Atherton, CA, Christopher “Kip” (Kimberley) of Portola Valley, CA, and David (Jan) of Folsom, CA; her daughter-in-law Laura of Carson City, NV; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her first husband Jack, her second husband Bud, and her eldest son Bradford. Her warmth, wisdom, and zest for life will be forever remembered and deeply missed. Her life was a testament to resilience, curiosity, and love—rooted in family, enriched by friendship, and brightened by adventure. Her legacy will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A private celebration of Sonia’s life will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stanford University to benefit Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, reflecting Sonia’s lifelong commitment to giving back.