Obituary of Sebnem Cayak Araci

Sebnem Cayak Araci

March 17, 1964 – November 4, 2024

Sebnem Cayak Araci, a cherished wife, mother, daughter, and friend, passed away on November 4, 2024, in Rochester, NY. Born on March 17, 1964, in Ankara, Turkey, Sebnem was a woman of remarkable warmth, strength, and leadership, leaving a legacy of love and kindness that will endure in the lives of all who knew her.

Sebnem graduated with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Bosphorus University in 1987. She married her husband, Selim, in Istanbul in 1991 and soon joined him in Rochester, NY, where she earned an MBA from the University of Rochester in 1993 and became a U.S. citizen in 1997.

Sebnem dedicated over 25 years to project management at Alstom, overseeing major transportation projects. She was a lead project manager for Istanbul’s Marmaray metro and later served as senior project manager on the Dubai Metro for World Expo 2020. She was known as a natural leader, respected for her ambition and commitment to excellence.

Sebnem was more than her professional accomplishments; she was the heart and soul of her family. Together, she and Selim created a life filled with love, laughter, and shared memories. They welcomed their son, Derin, in 1998, and Sebnem dedicated herself to caring for her family in every way possible. As her mother’s only daughter, she provided constant support to her mother in Istanbul, especially after her father’s passing, offering guidance and care from afar. Sebnem’s deep love and devotion to her parents and her own family will continue to guide and inspire those she cherished most.

Sebnem’s passions extended to travel, art, and community. She loved the sun and cherished summers by the sea with her family in Turkey. Known for her skills in Turkish cuisine, Sebnem loved to bring family and friends together with her cooking, creating a home filled with warmth and joy. She enjoyed painting, embroidery, and gardening, each a reflection of her creative spirit. As a key member and the first woman president of the Turkish Society of Rochester, Sebnem tirelessly supported the Turkish community, volunteering at cultural events and helping fellow members navigate various aspects of life in the U.S.

Sebnem is survived by her husband, Selim Araci; her son, Derin Araci; her mother-in-law, Bilge Araci; her brother-in-law, Emre Araci; her aunt, Fusun Cinar; her uncle, Behzat Cinar; her cousins, Sanem and Ali Koprulu, and Mert Cinar; her great-niece, Alara Koprulu; her uncle, Halil Kuyas; her aunt, Muge Kuyas; her cousins, Ceyda and Kivanc Ilisulu; and her great-nephew, Pamir Ilisulu.

She is preceded in death by her beloved father, Oktay Cayak; her mother, Tulin Cayak; and her father-in-law, Fikret Araci.

Sebnem was laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery on November 5, 2024, following a ceremony held at the Turkish Society of Rochester.

Her family is forever grateful for the love and care she gave them and to all who knew her. Her kindness, leadership, and selflessness will remain in the hearts of her family, friends, and community.

In memory of Sebnem please consider a donation to these organizations:

Humane Society https://www.humanesociety.org/

American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/

Turkish Society of Rochester https://www.tsor.org/

Turkish Education Fund (Turkish) https://www.tev.org.tr/anasayfa/tr