Nancy Shepard Draughn, 87, died serenely on Sunday, March 30 in Ann Arbor, Mich. with the entirety of her devoted family at her bedside.

Nancy’s full life reflected a remarkable range of interests, experiences, and determination. Born in Houston, Texas, she was proud to call Louisiana, particularly  Lake Charles, her home for many years. It was there that she developed a lifelong connection to friends, family, food, and tradition. 

After graduating from Smith College in Massachusetts, and spending a year studying abroad in Madrid, Nancy returned to Louisiana to work as a translator for the Argentine consulate in New Orleans. She met her husband, Paul, there and together, through his work, they embarked on a life that would take them and their three children around the world. They lived for extended periods in Arizona, California, New York, and Asia. During their combined 12 years in Singapore and Tokyo, Nancy embraced each locale’s culture, language, and cuisine. These seminal years for her family produced enduring friendships with other expat families that she would value and maintain for the rest of her life. Her years abroad inspired Nancy’s remarkable curiosity. She and Paul took advantage of their overseas postings to travel extensively, together and with their children. Her travels frequently included participation in competitive bridge tournaments where Nancy’s skill ultimately earned her the prestigious Gold Life Master designation. 

In 1985, Nancy and Paul returned to Lake Charles, where she would live for more than three decades. Nancy built a wonderful life there. She remained an avid bridge player, was deeply connected to her church, volunteered as a literacy tutor, and created a lovely home on Pithon Street that was a favorite gathering place for friends and family. For many years, the historic Pithon Street house, filled with beautiful antiquities and curiosities she and Paul collected from around the world, was a favorite destination for her children and grandchildren. She loved sharing her Louisiana heritage with them, cooking gumbo, taking them on journey’s into Cajun country, leading walks along the lake, and indulging in frequent stops for snow cones, shrimp po’ boys or muffalettas. Her passion for Louisiana and its idiosyncratic character made it feel like a second home for her out-of-state family. 

While Nancy experienced many great joys in her life, she also endured profound tragedies with the loss of two of her three children; 20 year old daughter, Sarah, in an airplane crash and later, 49 year old son, Shepard, through illness. She managed each of these deep sorrows with courage and unwavering grace.   

Following the death of her husband, and in declining health, Nancy moved to Ann Arbor seven years ago to be closer to and cared for by her family. She embraced this new chapter with the optimism and determination that defined her life. Nancy moved through the world with an elegance and style that set the standard for all, no matter the circumstances or the setting. In her later years, she worked doggedly to keep connected with her loved ones, particularly her grandchildren whom she adored. 

Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Paul; daughter, Sarah Havard Draughn, and son, Paul Shepard Draughn. She is survived by her daughter, Celia Draughn Gargaro (Paul), and their children, Sarah, Nicholas, and Samuel Gargaro, and by Shepard’s children, Cameron and Charlie Draughn, and their mother, Jonelle Glubke.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 11 a.m. at The Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Charles, La. Memorial contributions can be made in Nancy’s honor to The Church of the Good Shepherd.