Maryann Gelenian (Boujicanian) age 84, of Mansfield, Massachusetts, peacefully passed away December 9, 2023 in hospital with her family by her side after long struggles with heart, liver and lung disease. She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and strong Christian faith. She was the beloved and devoted wife of the late Ara Arthur Gelenian. She was the loving mother of the late Laura Gelenian formerly of Hoboken and Belmont, Sarah Abrahamsen of Belmont, Andrea Gelenian of Mansfield, and Ara Gelenian of Mansfield. She was a loving and adoring grandmother to Phoebe Abrahamsen of Norwood and Luke Abrahamsen of Belmont and loving mother-in-law to their father John Abrahamsen of Groton. She leaves behind many relatives, close friends and acquaintances who loved her and will miss her. Visitation period will be held at the Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home, 558 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown, MA, on Friday, December 15, 2023. Visitation time from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm. Prayers for Maryann will be said at 11:30 a.m. by Reverend Joanne Hartunian. Coffee and refreshments. Interment and prayers at Newton Cemetery, Newton, MA, same day, December 15, at 12:30 p.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.
Maryann Gelenian was a graduate of Boston University, and Lesley College.
She worked for many years but her life was mostly dedicated to caring for others, including her children, her husband, her mother, her grandchildren, and her home. She was a true Christian and grew up in the Armenian Protestant church, later attending Grace Chapel in Lexington. Her family belonged to the First Armenian Church in Belmont for many years. She was married there, and the church was always dear to her heart.
As a younger person, Maryann enjoyed life with her family and extended family growing up in Watertown. Many of her first cousins have wonderful memories of their times with her. She was the daughter of the late Arsen Boujicanian, who was in the wholesale and retail candy business, and of the late Rebecca Boujicanian, who worked alongside in their business. She had a younger brother, the late Martin Boujicanian formerly of Maynard, and Las Vegas. As a young lady she enjoyed music, dancing, and having fun at church and family parties. She got married and as a mother she dedicated her life to her husband, raising four children, and becoming involved in all of their lives. She was a wonderful homemaker, cook, and excellent baker of desserts, and Armenian breads. She enjoyed church and Bible study, cooking, gardening, crafts, and collecting. Most of her life, as a devoted wife, she enjoyed accompanying and involving herself in her husband’s academic life, he as a history professor. Together they enjoyed attending lectures, and historical sites around New England, and shared a common appreciation for history, knowledge, and education. As Maryann grew older, after losing her daughter Laura, her husband Ara, and her mother Rebecca, she remained strong and close to her children. She spent time doing the things she loved and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren Phoebe and Luke. Maryann was a comforting companion, friend, mother, and grandmother. Everyone looked forward to a visit especially for holiday dinners with her excitement over them. Her presence was what made the house a home and she will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to the First Armenian Church of Belmont, MA.
A prayer will be sung in memory of Maryann Gelenian during the Church Service on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at First Armenian Church, 380 Concord Avenue, Belmont, MA 02478. Coffee hour after church, sponsored by the Gelenian Family. Family and Friends are Welcome to Join.