Ohan, Vartuhi (Iskenderian) of Watertown, February 18, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Hacik Ohan. Devoted mother of Ari Ohanian and Tamar Karaguesian and husband Viken. Cherished grandmother of Saro and Vana Karaguesian, Armen , Arek and Naire Ohanian. Loving sister of the late Armenag Iskenderian. Sister-in-law of Coya Iskenderian and Ani Bostanci. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Vartuhi (Iskenderian) Ohan was born May 23, 1940 in Istanbul, Turkey to Pilibos and Veron Iskenderian and brother Armenag. She attended and graduated from Esayan Armenian School. She later met and eventually married her husband Hacik Ohan, in February 1964. Together they had two children, Ari (1964) and Tamar (1969). In August 1975, the young family moved to the USA and settled in Jackson Heights, NY and were reunited with her brother Armenag, who had emigrated to the United States to study.
Vartuhi quickly found employment as a seamstress in New York City, where she worked for a prestigious design company that manufactured custom drapes, and upholstery for the rich and famous. Her work would routinely grace the pages of House & Garden, Better Homes & Gardens, and various other home décor magazines. Hacik and Vartuhi prospered and eventually moved to Bayside, NY (Queens), living just a short walk from Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, where they attended church regularly.
After the passing of her husband Hacik in 2005, Vartuhi retired and moved to Watertown, MA to be with her daughter and grandkids. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, Saro, Vana, Armen, Arek and Naire, doing all the things that grandmothers do.
She would spend the next 17 years in Watertown, where she faithfully attended St. James Armenian Apostolic church and supported many of the events in the Armenian community.
Funeral service at Saint James Armenian Church, 465 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown on Saturday, February 24 at 11:00 a.m. Visiting hours will be held at Saint James Armenian Church on Saturday morning from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Immediately prior to the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. James Armenian Church or Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston.
Private cemetery services will be held at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Flushing, New York at a later date.