In memory of Dorothy (Vartanian) Piligian
Dorothy (Vartanian) Piligian of Needham passed away peacefully on Sept. 16, 2026, at the age of 99 in the home that she loved. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Murad; brother Leo; sister-in-law, Elizabeth; and daughter Diane. Devoted mother of Margaret Fuller and her husband James, Richard Piligian and his wife Kelli, Nancy Barmakian and her husband Edward. Cherished grandmother of Alexandra, Stephanie (Matthew), Stephen (Kelsey) and Sarah.
She was born in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, to Seranoosh and Nigohos Vartanian. After high school she worked for the telephone company. The first years of her marriage were spent in Worcester, Massachusetts, while her husband attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute. After graduation they moved to Arlington, Virginia, for Murad’s work where they started their family and built lifelong friendships in the community.
They moved back to Needham, Massachusetts, in 1956, to be close to family. Dot went on to work at General Binding Corporation and Cullinet Software Corporation. She volunteered at schools, even starting Armenian classes at the local elementary school, volunteered for Meals on Wheels and was an active member of a number of Armenian organizations.
Dot reigned supreme over her favorite pastimes, from her talent for making hand-knit dishcloths, her skill with 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles, card games, bingo and her unbeatable luck with scratch tickets, to her endless love for Boston sports, especially her beloved Celtics.
She will be remembered for her warm hospitality, her baking, cooking and friendships.
Funeral services were held at Saint James Armenian Church, 465 Mount Auburn St., Watertown, on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 11 a.m. Visiting hours were held at the church Tuesday morning from 10-11 a.m., immediately prior to the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church, 38 Elton Ave., Watertown, MA 02472, or St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church, 135 Goodwin St., Indian Orchard, MA 01151.
