The Rosamond Gifford Zoo community in NY is reeling from the devastating loss of Ashley Sheppard, a cherished member known for her dedication and warmth. Ashley, aged 35, tragically succumbed to gastric cancer on Sunday, October 29, 2023, leaving behind a profound sense of grief among her family, friends, and colleagues.
A devoted wife and mother, Ashley was deeply loved by her husband, Michael Andrew Sheppard, a respected member of the Town of Geddes Police Department. She leaves behind their two-year-old son, Jackson John Sheppard, who now faces the heartbreaking loss of his mother.
Rosamond Gifford Zoo posted on Facebook,
“It is with incredible sadness and heavy hearts we share the passing of Ashley Sheppard, a cherished member of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo family and our dear friend and colleague. We will miss Ashley more than words can express. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.“County Executive Ryan McMahon expressed his condolences, saying “We mourn the loss of a highly regarded member of the zoo community. Ashley’s dedication as a Collection Manager of Asian elephants was inspiring, and her absence will be felt by her colleagues and throughout the community”
Ashley’s profound impact extended beyond her family, as she also served as a Department Manager at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, where her passion for her work and love for the animals were evident to all. Her colleagues at the zoo are deeply saddened by her passing and have expressed their heartfelt condolences, emphasizing the irreplaceable void her absence leaves behind.
The community has rallied around the Sheppard family, setting up a GoFundMe account to help alleviate the financial burdens brought on by this tragic loss. County Executive Ryan McMahon also shared his condolences, acknowledging Ashley’s significant contributions to the zoo and the community. Her dedication, particularly in her role as Collection Manager of Asian elephants, left an enduring impact that will be remembered for years to come.
Ashley Sheppard’s legacy of love, dedication, and compassion will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched, both within the zoo community and beyond.
Categories: News
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn
