Sherene Marie Aram, 63

Sherene Marie Aram died at home in Acton on August 21, 2026, after a brief illness, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on November 16, 1962, to Mary (Hass) Aram Arakelian and Ali Mohammed Aram. She is survived by her wife of 28 years Sheila Murphy; their daughter Samantha Katzen of Stoughton; her mother Mary Arakelian, sister Lili Aram-Bost (Tom), and niece Karina Mash, all of Richmond, Virginia; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and a wide circle of friends who loved her dearly. She was predeceased by her father Ali Aram.

Sherene grew up in Melrose and Andover. She graduated from Phillips Academy and Wellesley College and received her MBA from Simmons University. She worked as a university administrator at MIT before retiring in 2018.

Sherene loved all cats and fostered feral kittens, including her grandkitty Sir Nicholas Winton. She was passionate about geocaching and found geocaches across the U.S. and on four continents, including at the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. She volunteered as a mentor with Women’s Money Mcatters and as an instructor with Acton Prison Outreach. She was an avid puzzler and scuba diver, and she loved to travel. During retirement Sherene and Sheila traveled to China, Tibet, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, and Europe. In 2025, they made a pilgrimage with the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center to India, where Sherene practiced Vipassana meditation.

Sherene loved her community. She deeply touched the lives of many and was loved by countless family and friends who mourn her absence.

A celebration of life is planned for the fall.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Sherene’s memory to Cambridge Insight Meditation Center, Massachusetts Immigration and Refugee Advocacy Council, or Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Acton. For Sherene’s online guestbook, please visit DeeFuneralHome.com.