Virginia Ruth (Stiles) Shepardson, 70, of Parsons Street, passed away Monday, Jan. 25, 2016, at her home.

She was born in Northampton, and is the daughter of Gladys (Aquadro) Stiles of Easthampton and the late Howard D. Stiles.

Virginia graduated from the former Northampton School for Girls and received a bachelors degree from American International College in Springfield. She earned her master’s in education from Westfield State College plus 60 additional graduate credits.

Virginia was a longtime educator in the Westfield Public Schools, retiring in 2009 after 18 years at Juniper Park School. She was a devoted teacher who was known for her great sense of humor and an ability to connect with students. She was passionate about teaching and inspired a love of learning beyond the classroom, to her six grandchildren, who she adored.

Besides her mother, she leaves two daughters, Jennifer Brenes and her husband Brent of Easthampton, and Kathryn Carpenter and her husband John of Florence. She also leaves a sister Elizabeth and brother-in-law Wolfgang Neumann of Switzerland; her grandchildren Megan and Ryan Morissette, Amberlie and Kyle Brenes, and Jack and Grace Carpenter; nieces Juliana, Alexandra, Nathalie Neumann and Sarah Stiles; and nephew Ben Stiles.

Besides her father, she is predeceased by her brother Mark Stiles.