Merrimack Valley ARS Applauds Two Venerable 70-Year Members

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass.—Margaret Hagopian and Theresa Brundage share a common bond when it comes to the Armenian Relief Society (ARS).

Both have captured the spirit and nobility of this organization over the past 70 years and have not succumbed to time.

Seventy-year ARS member Margaret Hagopian lights a candle on the anniversary cake during a celebration by the Merrimack Valley ‘Arax’ Chapter on Palm Sunday. (Photo: Tom Vartabedian)

During an anniversary celebration Palm Sunday conducted by their beloved Merrimack Valley “Arax” Chapter, they shared a venerable place together, told of their longevity with the group, and whole-heartedly participated in a collection that followed.

Reaching 25 years is a precious milestone, not to mention a golden anniversary. But 70 years each inside the same organization might be well beyond expectation.

“Who counts the years?” admitted Brundage. “When you’re serving an important cause, nobody takes notice of the years. Rather, it’s all about making the years count.”

When it came time to take part in a candle-lighting ceremony, Theresa deferred to Margaret, saying it was her turn to take the spotlight.

“I did it last year,” she smiled politely.

Over the past 7 decades, they have served the gamut, from sending provisions to servicemen overseas during World War II and other conflicts, to sending aid to victims of the earthquake that ravaged Armenia in 1988, right up through the upheaval in Syria of late.

Through it all, they have kept the candle burning at both ends when it’s come to enhancing educational standards in the community, sending children to Camp Haiastan, and supporting the needy of their community whenever approached.

They have been there for one another through thick and thin, good and bad, like sisters in the same family, truly role models for others.

“The ARS has been an inspiration to our community and we have been blessed many times by its charity work,” said Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian. “They still continue to serve with pride.”

Three others are well into their golden anniversary years: Olga Sarkisian, Rita Sarkisian, and Chake Boloian.

Brundage recalled joining the junior branch of the ARS in Rhode Island, 35 years after it was organized by Agnouni. She later transferred to North Andover after joining St. Gregory Church. The chapter later consolidated to become Merrimack Valley.

Hagopian has been a member of the same chapter ever since she came of age. Both women keep up-to-date on national events by reading Armenian papers.

In addition to a traditional lule kebab meal during the celebration, words were offered by Rosalie Sasso about the chapter’s accomplishments. In short, many members are products of ARS ancestry from the very onset and have never wavered in their duty toward mankind.

“The ARS remains one of our most important resources throughout the world,” added Sasso. “They deserve our every support, our affection and appreciation for a job well done.”

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Tom Vartabedian

Tom Vartabedian is a retired journalist with the Haverhill Gazette, where he spent 40 years as an award-winning writer and photographer. He has volunteered his services for the past 46 years as a columnist and correspondent with the Armenian Weekly, where his pet project was the publication of a special issue of the AYF Olympics each September.