Sepideh Saidi Tribute
October 10, 1962 – March 24, 2025
Surrounded by her beloved family, our beautiful Sepi Saidi, age 62, peacefully transitioned to her eternal home on March 24, 2025. She took with her a soul that radiated joy, gratitude, and unwavering faith. Sepi lived to make a difference, always striving to leave things better than she found them. She carried herself with a grace and determination that made anything feel possible. Her sheer presence brightened any room, blanketing it with warmth that welcomed everyone in—a warmth that belonged uniquely to her. Sepi accomplished so much throughout her life. If she were here writing this today, we know she’d wish for her greatest legacy to be this: “Love is the truth of it all. Everything I did, I did in love.”
Sepi was love. She is love. And she will remain love forever more.
Sepi (deh), which means "dawn" in Farsi, feels like the perfect foreshadowing for the woman who would come to believe (and know) that every day brings with it new opportunities, hopes, promises, and dreams. At age 15, Sepi left her home country of Iran for the opportunity of a new life across the world: Raleigh, NC. Shortly after, a revolution erupted in her homeland.
Sepi chose optimism as her only answer. She doubled down.
“I must feel how I want my life to be. I must understand that there’s nobody who can control my life but me. The choice is mine.”
Sepi was a trailblazer, and a natural-born leader. Graduating from NC State University with degrees in Civil & Agricultural Engineering, she went on to found SEPI Engineering and Construction in 2001. True to Sepi’s vision, the company held firm to its core values, ultimately becoming one of the top 500 private engineering firms in the country. Sepi’s professional awards and accolades are numerous; however, the “work” she loved most was fiercely advocating for women’s equality in the workplace. She drew upon her own life experiences to inspire and support others. Sepi brought her full, vibrant self to every relationship. She didn’t hold back. In 2022, Sepi was inducted into the NC Women Business Owners Hall of Fame.
For all that Sepi experienced in her lifetime—the countries, the colors, the connections—her favorite place was quite simple: home. Nothing made her happier or more fulfilled than being Nakisa and Bardia’s mother. She knew their strengths, weaknesses, and every tiny detail in between. When things were great, Sepi was their biggest fan. When the world felt heavy, she was their first phone call—a one-of-a-kind refuge, filled with abundant healing and comfort. Sepi adored her children, and who they became. She never missed a chance to tell you that. Following Sepi’s diagnosis, Nakisa and Bardia showered their mom with the same love she poured into them all along: an unconditional, "whatever it takes, we’re in this together" type of love. A love that stands the test of time and dimension.
Sepi never gave up. She intentionally grounded herself in her spiritual practices every day—prayers of gratitude, meditation, and uplifting affirmations. Not coincidentally, her spirit remained as alive as ever. Sepi was deeply thankful for the amazing people who stayed by her side through it all: her family, her friends, and her medical team.
Throughout Sepi’s life—no matter the circumstances—faith and optimism were the things that kept her well. In the words of Rumi, one of Sepi’s favorite Persian poets:
“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.”—Rumi.
Sepi’s legacy powerfully lives on through her children and their families Nakisa Asefnia, Bardia Asefnia (Carter Crew); her siblings Sofey Saidi and Taher Saidi and countless friends, colleagues and confidants.
Our hearts are broken, yet we know our beautiful Sepi Saidi is on her biggest adventure yet—soaring freely with the angels, watching over and cheering us on.
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We would love for you to join our family at Sepi’s “Celebration of Life”:
Time: Saturday, April 5, 2025: Please join anytime between 2:00 – 5:00 PM.
Location: Aria Center – 2609 North Duke Street; Suite 700. Durham, NC 27704
**In the spirit of celebrating, please wear bright colors and no dark colors**
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to:
North Carolina Museum of Art: https://shorturl.at/fExxx
InterAct Womens Shelter: https://interact.ejoinme.org/MyPages/DonationPage/tabid/63178/Default.aspx
For additional information or for service details, please reach out to the family directly.
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