Zarry Sahagian Sarkisian (1925-2015)

Zarry Sahagian Sarkisian died in her sleep in the early afternoon on Fri., June 26, succumbing to a weakened heart, failing kidneys, and eventually cancer. Son George was at her side as she drew her last breath along with loving cousin Diane Masropian Mercuri. George had been at the hospice and the hospital on a 24-hour basis for much of the last couple of months and had been her full-time caregiver for most of the last few years. Loyal Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Detroit “Sybille” Chapter member Mary Afetian George was also a great support in the final weeks.

Zarry was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada on Aug. 14, 1925, the only child of Dickran and Serpouhey (Masropian) Sahagian, both natives of Van, Armenia. She attended Neinas Elementary, Maybury Junior High, and Western High School in Detroit, and graduated in January 1943 with honors. She continued her education at Wayne University for two years before working at the Edson, Moore and Company Wholesale Dry Goods firm.

Zarry’s entire life was one of giving and dedication. Her early years were dedicated to caring for her mother who suffered from Parkinson’s disease.

Zarry married Harry Harten Sarkisian of Galt, Ontario on July 10, 1948. Harry was the son of Kevork and Gozal Sarkisian, also both natives of Van. Zarry and Harry had three children, Sharon, George, and Patricia.

Zarry was a lifelong member of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Dearborn, Mich. She taught Sunday School for 25 years, and was also one of the first female members of the Board of Trustees.

The Armenian Relief Society was a very important part of her life. She served in many executive positions, as a convention delegate, and mentored generations of young members during her 71-year membership.

The Vasbouragan Society also benefited from Zarry’s executive talents during her lifelong membership with the Vanetzi organization.

She was involved with various public school committees while her children were gaining their Dearborn public school education. She also loved arts and crafts and had a variety of collections and interests.

Zarry is survived by her son George and daughter Sharon Dardarian, Ph.D.; six grandchildren, Nicole (Toubassi), Jeffrey, Matthew, and Mary (D’Ascoli), and Sona and Sarkis Dagley, as well as five great-grandchildren and two adorable cats.

She is pre-deceased by her parents, Dickran and Serpouhey, her husband Harry, her youngest daughter Yeretzgeen Patricia Dagley, and her son-in-law Father Haroutiun Randy Dagley.

May God rest the soul of one of His most exemplary Christian children.

The funeral service took place on Mon., June 29, at St. Sarkis Armenian Church, with burial at Woodmere Cemetery in Detroit.

Guest Contributor

Guest Contributor

Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles or press releases written and submitted by members of the community.

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