Sema T. Shepard Obituary, Cause Of Death – At the age of 77, Sema T. Shepard, who resided in Niagara Falls, New York, passed away in the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center on February 27, 2023. She was the daughter of Khachig Tarpinian, who passed away, and Geneva (Andonian) Tarpinian, who also passed away. She was born in Niagara Falls, New York. Sema received her education in the neighborhood, culminating in a high school diploma from Niagara Falls.
She attended Niagara University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History as well as a Master of Arts degree in Russian History from the institution. After more than 20 years of service, Sema retired from her positions as US Postmaster at Niagara University and Lewiston’s post office for the United States Postal Service. She gave her time to assist with the annual dinner and fundraising for Heart Love & Soul. Sema was a woman who was regarded as being generous, caring, and kind.
She was a woman for all seasons. She was as sweet as a wind in the fall, as fierce as a storm in the winter, as lively as the first light of spring, and as lovely as a rose in the summer. She made a positive impact on the lives, hearts, and souls of everyone who was fortunate enough to know her. That was a one-of-a-kind and miraculous present from God to Sema. Stuart Shepard, Sema’s husband of 30 years, was previously married to Betty Shepard,
who has remained a close, concerned, and loyal friend to both Sema and Stu after Sema’s passing. Stu Shepard is Sema’s sole survivor. Her children David (Amy) Shepard, Annmarie (Henry) Jalsa, and Jeffrey Shepard, as well as her grandkids Caleb Jalsa, Joshua Jalsa, Mary Jalsa, and Abbey Shepard, as well as her brother Sidney Tarpinian, all survive her. She was preceded in death by her children, Sandy, Thomas, and Ed, as well as by one of her siblings, Varsen Fadel.
A Memorial Ceremony will be held at a date in the future that has yet to be determined, and subsequent interment will take place in the Gate of Heaven Mausoleum in Lewiston, New York. If you so choose, you are welcome to make a donation in his memory to either the Levesque Institute at Niagara University, the St. Sarkis Armenian Church, or the St. Hagop Armenian Church. Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
