Martha Sheppard, 92, died peacefully on Monday, March 21, 2022, after an extended illness. The daughter of the late Vasil and Mary Himich Kocaka, Mrs. Sheppard was born in Monongahela. She is survived by her son, Stuart Sheppard of Pittsburgh; and sister, Betty Preston of Clearwater, Fla. Mrs. Sheppard, or “Marti,” as she was known to her many friends, graduated from Monongahela High School, Robert Morris Business College and attended the University of Pittsburgh. She served as assistant to the dean of Trinity Cathedral, Pittsburgh, for three decades, gaining a national reputation in the Episcopal Church as a superlative professional and extraordinary project manager. Earlier in her career she worked for the Hodder Lumber Company and U.S. Congressman James G. Fulton. Mrs. Sheppard was a long-time member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and served on the vestry. She volunteered for numerous charities and was known for helping people and organizations in quiet ways. She loved jazz, cats and was an expert editor who could improve any line of prose ever written. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 1, 2022, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 5801 Hampton St., Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Arrangements are by McCabe Bros. Inc. Contributions may be sent in her memory to St. Andrew’s. Condolences may be left at www.mccabebrothers.com.
