KERRIGAN, Rose (Nakashian), of Wayland, MA, formerly of Lexington, MA, passed away peacefully at her home on August 10, 2020 after a short illness. Rose was the beloved wife of the late Charles Hunter Kerrigan; devoted mother of Dr. David Kerrigan and his wife, Becky, and Charlotte Janigian and her husband, Renie; loving grandmother of Charlie and Timmy Kerrigan, and Lillian and Alina Janigian. She was predeceased by her parents, Jacob and Sima Nakashian, her sister, Dorothy Nakashian Howes, and brother, John Nakashian.
Born in Watertown, MA, the daughter of an Armenian genocide survivor, she graduated from Dorchester High School and the Katharine Gibbs School. She worked as an executive assistant at the Union Central Life Insurance company where she met her future husband. They were married just 4 ½ years when he died unexpectedly – leaving behind a 3 ½ year old son and a soon to be born daughter. Shortly after his passing, she relocated her children to Lexington, Mass – known for its schools, and its proximity to the Armenian community in Belmont and Watertown. She put all her focus in making sure her children knew the importance of education as well as their Armenian heritage and Christian faith. She worked for the Lexington schools to mirror her children’s school schedule. Later she would work for the Mitre Corporation and Newton Wellesley Hospital.
She was an accomplished pianist, who enjoyed gardening, baking, and attending her grandchildren’s recitals, concerts, games, and other activities. In addition, she always supported her church, the First Armenian Church in Belmont. Whether teaching Sunday School, helping in the church nursery, volunteering to cook for the annual Bazaar, or helping with the monthly newsletter, she loved her church family. Some of her proudest moments were when her children obtained degrees from Tufts University, their father’s alma mater. Funeral services will be held privately. A celebration of Rose’s life will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the First Armenian Church, 380 Concord Avenue, Belmont, MA 02478. Funeral arrangements are being provided by the Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home, Watertown.
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