Obituary of Margaret Diane Shepley

Obituary for Margaret Dianne Shepley “Magi” Margaret (Magi) Dianne Shepley was a resident of Ashburn, VA when she passed away on September 9, 2016, after a long illness. Magi Shepley was an extraordinary teacher throughout her life as a devoted advocate for young people facing academic and economic challenges. She began her career in Baltimore City, MD, and continued in Harrisburg, PA, Kennedy-Krieger Institute, and Fairfax County, VA. She dedicated her last 11 years as a special education teacher at Park View High School in Loudoun County, Virginia. She made very important contributions to the lives of her students as they prepared for adulthood. The Lancaster PA Red Cross Youth Program provided a foundation for Magi’s life-long focus on volunteerism. Since her youth, she dedicated her free time to the American Red Cross and Humanity Road to train members and support people impacted by disaster. Through her sponsorship of The Extra Mile Club, Magi helped provide opportunities for Park View High School students to serve the community of Sterling and the region. As her illness progressed, Magi continued to assist others as a digital volunteer. For her commitment and level of service in 2014, Ms. Shepley earned the Gold Presidential Service Award from President Obama for her digital service with Humanity Road. Magi was a beloved member of many online communities that advised others facing disabilities and other challenges. Taking care of others was always first on her mind. “I keep an eye out for people ... on snow days to offer them coffee or whatever, because it’s the right thing to do. I think we need to do more things like this.” Born June 9, 1973 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Magi graduated from Manheim Township High School and was a 1996 graduate of Long Island University/CW Post. She earned a Master’s Degree in 2002 from Johns Hopkins University in Transition, Autism, and Multiple Disabilities. Her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from Johns Hopkins University in Curriculum Design and Instructional Technology was completed in 2014. She was a friend of many including her beloved cats Imp, Mango, and Mischief. As an only child, Magi leaves behind many loving and devoted friends, colleagues, and students. We will gather to celebrate Magi’s life on Sunday, September 25, from 2-5 pm at Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden St, Herndon, Virginia 20170. In lieu of flowers, Magi requested that donations go to Park View High School, 400 W. Laurel, Sterling, VA 20164 and Lancaster Red Cross in Pennsylvania to support opportunities for youth. Please include “Magi Shepley Memorial” on the memo line of checks.