Roberta "Bobbie" L. Shepard-Mardocco

ELGIN - Roberta (Bobbie) L. Shepard -Mardocco, age 70, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family.

Bobbie was raised on a farm, which fostered a lifelong love of animals and a passion for equestrian sports. Her dedication and talent in dressage earned her a full scholarship for higher education.

Bobbie's strong work ethic defined every stage of her life. She pursued her passion for medicine, earning a master's degree and becoming a Registered Nurse Practitioner. She later founded an alternative medicine clinic in Tucson, Arizona, where she devoted herself to helping patients facing cancer and other life-altering illnesses.

As a cancer survivor herself, Bobbie believed there was value in blending alternative therapies with traditional Western medicine. Her personal experiences shaped her compassionate approach to care, and she worked tirelessly to provide comfort, hope, and support to those navigating difficult diagnoses.

Bobbie shared 46 years of marriage with her loving husband, Marc Mardocco. Together they built a life filled with family, memories, and experiences that spanned nearly half a century.

Bobbie was deeply loved by her family and friends. She was known for her intelligence, generosity, and willingness to think outside the box.

In retirement, she enjoyed gardening and creating beautiful Pysanky eggs, a craft that reflected both her patience and creativity.

Among her fondest memories were family vacations to Disneyland, time spent riding horses, and sharing laughter with those she loved. Though she sometimes pretended otherwise, she had a particular appreciation for crude jokes and delighted in surprising her family by delivering one herself, often to their complete shock.

Bobbie's strength, compassion, humor, and determination will be remembered by all who knew and loved her. Though she is gone, the impact she had on the lives of so many will continue to be felt for years to come. Her presence, guidance, and love leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her.

There is no doubt in her family's and friend's minds that she is now crossing the Rainbow Bridge, greeting old friends, caring for every animal she meets, and searching for a few delicious snacks along the way.

She is survived by her husband, Marc Mardocco; daughter, Jana Shepard-Mardocco; son, Aaron Shepard-Mardocco; sister, Laurie Shepard; and wife, Laura Tobin; brother-in-spirit, Ace Lane; son-in-spirit, Indy Lane; brother-in-law, John Taylor; nephew, Christopher Shepard, and his wife, Beth-Ann, and their children, Sean, Katelyn, and Jacob. Bobbie was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Emma Jean Shepard, her sister Valerie Shepard, and her son Colin Shepard-Mardocco. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roberta "Bobbie" L. Shepard-Mardocco, please visit our floral store.