Sema T. Shepard, 77, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on February 27, 2023 at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Khachig and Geneva (Andonian) Tarpinian.
Sema attended local schools, graduating from Niagara Falls High School. She graduated from Niagara University with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Master’s Degree in Russian History. Sema was employed at the US Post office in Lewiston and US Postmaster at Niagara University for over 20 years until her retirement. She volunteered with Heart Love & Soul’s annual dinner and fundraiser. Sema was generous, loving, kind and will be remembered as a woman for all seasons. She was gentle as an autumn breeze, strong as a winter storm, vibrant as the dawn of spring, and beautiful as a summer rose. She enriched the lives, hearts and souls, of everyone who knew her. That was Sema’s special and magical gift from God.
Sema is survived by her husband of 30 years, Stuart Shepard, previously married to Betty Shepard, who has remained a close, concerned, and committed friend to both Sema and Stu. Sema is also survived by her children, David (Amy) Shepard, Annmarie (Henry) Jalsa and Jeffrey Shepard; her grandchildren Caleb Jalsa, Joshua Jalsa, Mary Jalsa and Abbey Shepard, and her brother, Sidney Tarpinian. She was predeceased by one sibling, Varsen Fadel, and her children, Sandy, Thomas and Ed.
A Memorial Service will be held at a future date to be announced, with inurnment in Gate of Heaven Mausoleum, Lewiston, NY to follow. If desired, memorial offering may be made to The Levesque Institute at Niagara University, St. Sarkis Armenian Church, or St. Hagop Armenian Church. Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
