NORTH ANDOVER, Mass.—In the realm of Armenian Genocide survivors, Nellie Nazarian is considered a “crown jewel”—literally.
Throughout her working life she operated a jewelry shop in downtown Lawrence with her husband Stephan, also a survivor.
Together, they cultivated the golden land of opportunity before turning the operation over to their children and grandchildren, who continue to perpetuate the business in Andover and Salem, N.H.
“She continued to string pearls for three stores right up to the age of 90,” said her daughter Marlene Aznoian. “She’s been our treasure all these years. We get our inspiration from Nellie.”
Unlike many of her dwindling peers, Nazarian was able to find her way to North Andover April 18 for the 95th observance sponsored by the Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee of Merrimack Valley.
She wasn’t alone, joined by Ojen Fantazian who continues to remain a familiar figure at these commemorations.
The two represent six remaining survivors throughout the community. Verjin Chilingirian, Mary Garavanian, Thomas Magarian, and Jennie Vartabedian were also recognized.
A monetary gift was made in their honor to the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Home of Jamaica Plain.
More than 300 persons turned out for the commemoration which saw an exuberant performance by the Greater Worcester Armenian Chorale, directed by Maestro Konstantin Petrossian with Karina Avanesov as accompanist.
Age aside, it was the kids who stole the show, thanks to the Arevig Children’s Dance Ensemble and its chorale, which put on quite the song and dance extravaganza, directed by choreographers Alin Sarkisian and Ani Yaghmourian.
As an added complement, Dr. H. Martin Deranian presented some reflections on President Calvin Coolidge and the Armenian Orphan Rug that holds a venerable place in the White House.
At the ripe age of 98, Nazarian continues to maintain an active life, living independently with the assistance of family members on a second-floor apartment in Greater Lawrence.
She escaped the massacre in her native village of Chimisgazag by taking refuge in the mountains with her family before immigrating to America in the early 1920’s. She attended school in Haverhill and worked the shoe shops in that city before turning entrepreneur at a time when decent jobs were at a premium.
Together with her husband, they built a profitable venture through diligent work and sacrifice. Stephen died in 1965, leaving Nellie widowed for the past 45 years. She’s hardly alone with 4 children, 15 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren by her side.
“My grandmother always reminisces about Armenia and tells the genocide story,” said her granddaughter Shari Wilton. “She still reads the history books and Armenian papers to keep abreast of current events.”
If anything impressed Nazarian about the commemoration, it was seeing the children dance and sing in Armenian, much like she used to do at the picnics. Of the genocide, she maintains an indelible spirit of endurance.
For 70 years, she’s belonged to the Order of Eastern Star and wears her ring with pride. On the Armenian side, she has been nothing less than a benefactor of many causes.
“God was with my family,” she maintains. “We faced all those dangers. I consider myself very fortunate to have lived a good life and raised an excellent family.”
Three students were honored with cash prizes for their winning essays on genocide: Matthew Kochakian, first prize; Olivia Barberian, second; and Aghavny Bebirian, all of St. Gregory Church of North Andover. Eight entries were received from Armenian schools throughout Merrimack Valley.
A memorial service preceded the program, led by Rev. Khachatur Kesablyan, Sts. Vartanantz Church; Rev. Vazken Bekiarian, St. Gregory Church; and Rev. Dr. Ara Heghinian, Ararat Congregational Church.
They were accompanied by members of the Armenian Choral Group of Merrimack Valley, conducted by Paul Ketchoyian with Arsen Russian, accompanist.
John Amboian served as master of ceremonies and commended the committee chaired by Sossy Jeknavorian for donating close to $60,000 to worthy charities in Armenia over the past two decades.
Tom Vartabedian
Latest posts by Tom Vartabedian (see all)
- Vartabedian: My Final Column - November 13, 2016
- A Hat to Match Any Occasion - October 19, 2016
- More Smiles Keep the Frowns Away - October 12, 2016
Be the first to comment