Naomi Tazian (1936-2016)

Naomi “Nicki” Tazian, 80, passed away on July 10.

Born July 9, 1936, in Fort Wayne, Ind., Nicki was the daughter of the late Bernard and Golda (Mann) Kramer. She lived in Fort Wayne her entire life.

In 1967, Nicki co-founded Z.K. Tazian Associates and over the years she traveled worldwide. Her proudest accomplishments were raising her family, spending quality time with her grandchildren, and volunteering at non-profit organizations including the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Art League, and Christ Child Society. She was also a member of the Armenian Relief Society.

Nicki was a thoughtful, funny, generous spirit, who lived a full life with a big heart. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, and loyal friend. Through decades of health challenges, she defied the odds thanks to her strength, determination, and positive attitude. Nicki never complained and always put others at ease with her infectious smile. She loved playing bridge and mahjong, reading mystery novels, and attending Broadway musicals. Nicki was a legendary entertainer, world-class cook, and renowned baklava baker.

She is survived by her husband, Zohrab, who she married on Sept. 16,1959 at the St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church in Beirut, Lebanon. Also surviving are her children, Tina (Marc Schwartz) Tazian, Sona (Frank Catalano) Tazian, Ara Tazian, and Hera (Jeffrey) Lauritsen; and grandchildren, Nicholas, Paige, Adrienne, and Sophia. Nicki also leaves behind numerous lifelong friends.

Service is Fri., July 15, at St. John Chrysostom Antiochian Orthodox Church (402 Badiac Road, Fort Wayne) at noon with calling one hour prior. His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian assisted by Very Reverend Father Ghevont Pentezian officiating.

Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thurs., July 14, at D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home (1320 East Dupont Rd.). Burial is to take place immediately following the funeral service at Highland Park Cemetery (2403 E. Wallen Rd.).

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Christ Child Society of Fort Wayne (visit www.christchildsocietyfw.org) or to the Armenian Relief Society (www.arseastusa.org/donate/).

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Condolences

The ARF Eastern Region Central Committee extends its deepest condolences to former ARF Eastern Region Central Committee member Unger Zohrab Tazian and his family on the passing of his wife Naomi Tazian.

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The ARS Eastern USA extends its deepest condolences to the family of Ungerouhi Naomi Tazian.

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The editors and staff of the Hairenik and Armenian Weekly newspapers extend their deepest condolences to the Tazian family.