Helen Garabedian Mikitarian (1937-2014)

(The Providence Journal)—Helen M. (Garabedian) Mikitarian, 77, of Auburn, Mass., passed away on Oct. 16 at Saint Vincent Hospital with her loving family at her side.

Helen was born in Providence, R.I., on Aug. 7, 1937, the daughter of Harry “Harootun” and Irene (Aroosiag) Garabedian, and graduated from Hope High School in 1955. She and George “Mickey” Mikitarian married in 1956, and together relocated to Worcester.

Helen was a stay-at-home mom for 18 years before going out into the work world. She worked for Day Brothers, Inc. and Day Truck Rental from 1974-92. She then held various positions, including corporate controller, at Ragsdale Motor Group from 1992 to 2005.

Helen’s children and grandchildren were the greatest joys in her life. She was always so proud of their accomplishments and success. She gave and taught them unconditional love. Her favorite saying was, “What goes around, comes around,” which certainly proved right for all the love, generosity, and care she received in return from all of them. Helen was truly a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to all those who knew her.

Helen leaves her beloved husband of 58 years, George “Mickey” Mikitarian, Sr., and their four children, George Mikitarian, Jr., his wife Liz and their son, George “Mickey” Mikitarian, III, all of Titusville, Fla.; Michael G. Mikitarian of Shrewsbury, Mass.; John Mikitarian and wife Celeste of Northborough, and their sons, Joseph, David, and Benjamin; and daughter Irene M. Harris of Worcester, and her daughters Courtney Sage and Nicole Sage Carpenter. She also leaves a sister Mary (Maro) Dionisopoulos and husband Spiros of Lincoln, R.I., two brothers H. Charles Garabedian and wife Sally of Smithfield, R.I., and Aram G. Garabedian (former Rhode Island state senator) and wife Jane of Cranston, R.I.; a sister-in-law Rosemarie Mikitarian of Worcester; and several nephews and nieces.

The funeral was held on Oct. 20 at Callahan Fay & Caswell Funeral Home in Worcester with a service at the Armenian Church of Our Saviour. Burial followed at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609.