Loretta A. Gelenian
(1939-2023)
It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Loretta Anahid Hamasdegh Gelenian on July 28, 2023, at the age of 84.
Loretta, known as Lorig to her family and close friends, was born on January 20, 1939, to Armenian writer and poet Hampartzoum Gelenian(Hamasdegh) and Serpouhi Beghian. Loretta grew up in West Medford, MA, and attended Medford High School before moving on to study Social Relations at Radcliffe, which was Harvard University’s all female college, graduating in 1961. Loretta then attended the Palandjian Jemaran in Beirut, Lebanon, studying Armenian and teaching English. Following this, Loretta went on to complete her master’s degree in education at Northeastern University in 1968. Loretta then began an impressive vocational career including being an administrative assistant in Washington DC at the US Department of Agriculture, a service representative at New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, a Job Analyst at John Hancock, and perhaps her most passionate venture, a beloved teacher of American History with the McCarthy School in the Chelmsford public school system for 34 years.
Loretta had a true love of reading and learning and nurtured this love and curiosity by travelling around the world, meeting new people and seeing new places, spreading her kindness and intelligence to all those around her. Some of the many places that she enjoyed visiting were Egypt, Syria, Jerusalem, major cities in Europe, the Soviet Union, as well as Armenia, Hong Kong, and Bangkok. She also loved and had a talent for various arts and crafts and spent many hours working on her beloved doll houses, as well as quilting and creating unique cards for different occasions. Loretta developed an interest in horticulture and formed an active garden club while she was living in Chelmsford.
Loretta also felt it important to be active in the Armenian community. She was one of the founding members of the Armenian Cultural Association. She was also an active member of the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society in the Boston area. Loretta was on the Executive Board of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) where she was instrumental in forming the organization’s Summer Studies Program for college aged students. Later, she was an executive in the Armenian Renaissance Association.
Loretta also believed in being politically active, and was a delegate of the Democratic National Convention, a cause in which she believed strongly.
Loretta was predeceased by her parents Hampartzoum (Hamasdegh) and Serpouhi Gelenian as well as her sister Armine Der Hovanesian. She is survived by her loving cousins Eleanor Gelenian Hughes, Louise Gelenian Arthur, and Judy Gelenian Zarifian and their extended families. She is also survived by Velda Jerrehian Moog and family, Nini Petrucione and family, niece Mara Der Hovanesian and many beloved friends.
A funeral service will be held at St. Stephen’s Armenian Church in Watertown on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 12:30 pm. Visitation hours will be at the Church from 11:30 am-12:30 pm, and the funeral service will begin at 12:30 pm. A memorial meal will immediately follow the Church services downstairs in the Church Hall. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend.
Cemetery services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Stephen’s Church.