Sookikian, Helen Hranoush (Sanasarian) of Waltham, May 6, 2020. Beloved wife of the late Vahram “Vee” Sookikian. Devoted mother of Linda Gayle Sookikian Eckersley and her husband Timothy and Steven Richard Sookikian. Loving grandmother of Justin Vee Eckersley, Christopher Geoffrey Eckersley, and Julian Oskian Sookikian. Cherished great grandmother of Julian Elias Sookikian. Sister of Pauline Sanasarian and the late Richard Sanasarian. Sister in law of the late Araxe Sookikian. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Helen passed peacefully at home at age 92.
Helen was born at home in Watertown, Massachusetts, on August 15, 1927, to Lillian and Vahrich Sanasarian. A graduate of Watertown High School, she went on to earn an Associates Degree from Lasell Junior College. She was active in the Armenian Youth Federation and competed in the annual “AYF Olympics,” against other youth from across the country. Helen excelled at the 100-yard dash and set a record for the group that stood for decades. She was also active in athletics in high school and college, playing volleyball, basketball, and field hockey.
Helen and Vee (who lived in New York City and was visiting local relatives) met at an AYF activity in Watertown during World War II, where Helen’s sister, Pauline, took the initiative and introduced them. Helen had some competition, but Vee had eyes for only her. The two courted until Vee enlisted and went overseas, first assigned as a B-29 tail-gunner, but thankfully war ended and he served only in the Army of Occupation. They resumed their courtship on his return from service, and married on June 5, 1949, at St. James Armenian Apostolic Church in Watertown. The couple lived in New York City for several years while Vee attended New York University and Helen worked as a medical secretary to support themselves. Throughout their marriage, Helen unselfishly continued to support Vee in his career and in his love of Scouting.
In 1956, the couple purchased a home in Waltham, Mass., which became their permanent residence. After child-rearing, Helen returned to the workforce in the 1970s as an Office Manager for a candy brokerage, named DiMartino & Martone. She later managed operations at the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center in Watertown until her retirement.
Helen had a quiet strength and a gentle soul. She was resilient, perceptive, and generous of spirit. Her greatest joy was in the birth of her three grandchildren, who she volunteered to babysit and take for overnights. In fact, her desire to host all three boys at once was the impulse for adding a second floor to their home.
An excellent cook, Helen loved to try new recipes and to entertain guests for small dinners and holiday parties, despite her quiet and reserved nature. Her annual Christmas Eve celebration was not to be missed by her extended family and many friends. Remarkable, she held on to hosting Christmas dinner for more than 16 people until she finally, reluctantly, passed the baton to her daughter at the age of 81.
She volunteered her time as a Girl Scout leader in Waltham and on the Ladies Guild at St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Watertown. She was a true Red Sox fan and always rooted for the underdog in any sport. She loved attending her grandson Christopher’s football games and track meets where he appeared to have inherited her speed for sprinting. She enthusiastically cheered her youngest grandson Julian on at his baseball and football games, and was proudly in attendance to see her oldest grandson, Justin, graduate from Marine Corps Boot Camp at Parris Island.
At this difficult time, due to COVID-19, funeral and cemetery services are private. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Saint Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church, https://soorpstepanos.org/, or Waltham Fields Community Farm, http://communityfarms.org//.