04/06/2026
Sarah L. Dispenza (1950 -2026)
Sarah L. Dispenza, known lovingly to friends and family as Sally, passed away on April 3, 2026, at the age of 76, after a brave battle with ovarian cancer. She had been living in Bath, NY, the community she called home for many years.
Sarah was born on February 26, 1950, in Buffalo, NY, and adopted by the late Charles Dispenza and Loree (Jernigan) Dispenza. A lifelong learner with a sharp and curious mind, she graduated from Cohocton Central Schools, and earned her Bachelor's Degree from Canisius College and later her Master's Degree from Liberty University in Social Work. She went on to build a remarkable career as a social worker for Steuben County, dedicating 32 years of her life to serving others and making a quiet but lasting difference in countless lives.
Sarah was a woman of wonderful contradictions. She could be quiet and reflective at times, then thoroughly gregarious at others, lighting up a room when the mood struck her. She was cheerfully, admittedly tone deaf, but that never stopped her from singing whenever she felt like it. She was a devoted mom to her cockatiel Oliver and parakeets Andrew and Annabelle, as well as Mark’s cats Jeb, Rochester and Bella who brought her endless joy. Her love of strawberries was well known among anyone who spent time with her, and her cheesecake was legendary.
Sarah had a wide range of passions that kept life interesting. She loved computers and technology, collecting vintage dolls and had a keen eye for crystals and pearls. She treasured travel and the adventures it brought. She and Mark especially enjoyed traveling to and exploring Civil War battlefields. She was always a generous soul who donated to various causes close to her heart.
Sarah is survived by her husband of 32 and a half years, Mark E. Schepmoes, and her cousins Lee (Elaine) Dispenza of Lake Orion, MI and Sally (Wayne) Haltom of Columbus, OH, along with many dear friends both far and near. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Burial will be held in Cohocton, NY in the family plot at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, St. Jude's Research Foundation, or the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.
Sarah and Mark would espcially like to thank Cindy Jenkins, Peter Moore, Al & Nancy Warren for their close contact and support over the many weeks. April Bemis; you’ve been a comfort and continued resource to help us negotiate the many pitfalls and confusion that sometimes accompanies health care.
Finally, Sarah and Mark would like to thank the staffs of Guardian Nurses (in affiliation with UFCW Local One); Arnot Ogden Hospital, Robert Packer Hospital, Ira Davenport Hospital, Chemung County Nursing Facility, and Corning Centers for Rehabilitation and Nursing, who in their own ways were professional and caring in Sarah's time of need.
Bond-Davis Funeral Home is handling the arrangments for Sarah, Mark and their family.