•Maro (Kalemderian) Meguerditchian of Lexington passed away peacefully with her family by her side, on December 31, 2024 at age 88.
Maro was born on May 22, 1936 in Latakia, Syria and was raised in Kessab. She was the younger sister of the late Sona Manjikian and daughter of Sara and Hagop Kalemderian. Maro loved to sing and her craft was discovered by the local priest, which ultimately resulted in a scholarship to broaden her studies at the Nishan Palandjian Djemaran (College) in Beirut, Lebanon.
Maro was 14 when she moved to Beirut. Maro’s scholarship allowed her to take singing and piano lessons, as well as to sing in the choir at Djemaran. Her time in Beirut fostered her love for education and academia as she studied under the famous Armenian novelist, Levon Shant, and renowned Armenian composer, Parsegh Ganatchian. In 1959 Maro, her sister, and their mother were forced to leave Beirut due to civil uprisings. Upon arriving in the US, her foundational thirst for knowledge carried over into the “New World” where she continued to take music lessons through Boston Conservatory and was celebrated for her impeccable technique as a coloratura soprano. In fact, she never stopped singing.
In 1960, Maro was courted by Dikran Meguerditchian and the two were married. The couple raised their family in Arlington. Dikran ran a camera and photography business, while Maro supported Dikran’s work ethic for over 60 years. In addition to raising her family, Maro was active in the local Armenian community. She sang in Rouben Gregorian’s Komitas Choral Society and was a member of the Armenian Relief Society. As her children came of school age, Maro shared her musical talent and became the first music teacher at the newly established St. Stephen’s Saturday School. For nearly 12 years, “Digeen Maro” taught Armenian songs to a generation of young students who would continue to call her “Digeen Maro” out of love and respect for what she imparted in them.
Dikran and Maro were quiet and staunch supporters of the Armenian community and built their family around it. Privately, Maro loved traveling and going on cruises with her husband, spending time with friends, and vacationing in Florida with her family.
Maro was the cherished mother of Armen and his wife Sylvie, and Arpi and her husband Rafi Kouyoumdjian. She was also beloved by her grandchildren Araz and Sevan Kouyoumdjian, and Garen and Sarine Meguerditchian. Maro was predeceased by her husband Dikran and sister Sona Manjikian. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
We remember Maro by how proudly she spoke of her modest “Kessabtsi” roots, her lust for song and beauty, and her devotion to family. She instilled her love for music and Armenian culture to her children and grandchildren, ensuring that they would always have a song in their heart.
Funeral services will be held at the St. Stephens Armenian Church, 38 Elton Avenue, Watertown, MA on Friday, January 3, 3025 at 11:00 am. Visitation will be prior to the funeral service starting at 10:00am in the sanctuary of the church. Interment to follow at Wildwood Cemetery in Winchester, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Stephens Armenian Apostolic Church , or the St. Stephens Armenian Elementary School.