WORCESTER— Agnes (Damirjian) Markarian, 83 of Worcester, MA passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, Oct. 28, 2004.
She was born in Milford, MA the daughter of the late Nartoohe and Nishan Damirjian. She married her beloved husband Gilbert Markarian, who predeceased her in 1997, they moved to Worcester where they shared 50 wonderful years of marriage. She leaves her daughter Melanie and son-in-law Larry Blum of Sonoma, CA; her son Mark and daughter-in-law Paula of Holden, MA; her son Michael predeceased her; seven grandchildren Jason Markarian of Los Angeles, CA, Adam Markarian of San Francisco, CA, Rachael Markarian of Los Angeles, CA, Zachary and Alexa Markarian of Holden, two step grandchildren, Lisa Blum of Los Angeles and Shannan Hardy wife of Douglas Hardy of Milford, Ohio; four step great-grandchildren Tanner, Parker, Madison & Braden Hardy; her loving sister-in-law Irene Bedrosian, and brother-in-law, Edward Markarian; and several nieces and a nephew. She was predeceased by her brother Martin Damirjian and seven brothers and sisters who were victims of the Armenian Genocide. She also leaves a wonderful circle of friends who through the years shared many happy times with her and through her illness offered support and comfort.
She was a member of the Armenian Church of Our Savior, where she served as an active member of the Ladies Guild for many years. She belonged to the Daughters of Vartan, the Educational Society of Malatia, helping to raise funds to send medical and school supplies to the Armenian needy; and the Armenian Assembly of America.
Agnes graduated from Milford High School and Simmons Floral Design School in Boston. She worked as a florist at Dian’s on Main Street in Worcester and then at State Mutual Life Assurance company as an executive secretary for 18 years, retiring in 1982 to enjoy traveling and spending time with her husband, Gilbert and her beloved grandchildren.
Agnes will always be remembered for her unselfishness and unconditional love for family and friends. She was strong and courageous through many difficult times. Her positive attitude about her illness was an inspiration for all around her. She lifted everyone’s spirit with her energy and would not let anyone feel sorry for her. She was the heart and soul of her family and chose to make each day of her life count, she will be deeply missed.
The funeral will be held at the Armenian Church of Our Savior, 87 Salisbury Street, at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 1, 2004. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Cemetery in Paxton. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, October 31, 2004 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA. Daughters of Vartan will conduct their ritual at 2:30 during calling hours. Dahngark service at 3:30 during calling hours.
The family requests that donations in lieu of flowers may be made to The Armenian Church of Our Savior, Gilbert & Agnes Markarian Endowment Fund, 87 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.