Carolyn Shepherd Welch

Carolyn Shepherd Welch passed away on March 17, 2016. She was predeceased by her father, Robert Vincent Shepherd; mother, Anne Clark Shepherd Wemple; and sister, Susan Elizabeth Shepherd. She is survived by her husband, Calvin; children, Caroline and Christopher (Erica); brother, Robert Douglas Shepherd; cousins, Christopher (Susan) Clark and Susan (Thomas) Gillum and their children; along with many dear friends. Born on December 14, 1944 in Schenectady, NY, Carol was a graduate of Niskayuna High School. She received her Bachelor's Degree in English from Hope College in Holland, MI, and an ABD in Education from SUNY Albany. Carol spent her professional career as a special education teacher in the Schenectady School District, retiring from Zoller School. Carol was well known for her generosity and service to the community. She was a lifelong member of First Reformed Church of Schenectady and served on its Consistory. A longtime member and past president of the Junior League of Schenectady, she also held leadership positions on the Boards of the Ellis Hospital Foundation, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Schenectady and Auxiliary, the Proctors Theater Guild, Catholic Charities, Community Maternity Service and many others. Her final contribution was the donation of her body to the anatomical gifts program at Albany Medical College. Carol loved seeing and learning about different cultures and traveled the world extensively, developing many deep and lasting friendships along the way. She served as a Community Ambassador to St. Croix and participated in the Schenectady/Nijkerk Exchange program. Carol traveled to London and Key West annually, and took many trips to Japan, Europe and the Caribbean. Carol's hobbies included skiing, raising champion German Shorthaired Pointers, boating and water skiing on the Mohawk River, and avidly supporting Union College Hockey. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, March 22nd from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Poling Chapel at First Reformed Church of Schenectady. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, March 23 at 10:30 a.m. at First Reformed Church of Schenectady, 8 N. Church St., Schenectady, NY 12305. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Schenectady and the Ellis Hospital Foundation.


This obituary was originally published in The Daily Gazette Co.