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International Children’s Day 2024 – Gyumri
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
In Memory of Rosik Khachatoorian 1942-2025
Rozik Khachatoorian, the matriarch and pillar of the Boghosian family, passed away on January 6th, 2025 after an illness that weakened her body but never her spirit. She was born on March 4th, 1942 in Isfahan, Iran, the fourth of six children of Vagharshak and Gyozal Khachatoorian, where she grew up surrounded by love in her big, happy family. On September 21st, 1961 she married Hambartsoon “Hambarts” Boghosian and moved to Khuzestan Province of Iran, where her new husband worked for the National Oil Company. They had 3 children – Hamo, Hamlet and Hildret, and while raising her family, she learned the craft of dressmaking and launched a successful career as a highly sought-after seamstress.
After the breakout of Iran-Iraq war, the family fled Iraqi bombardments for the safety of Isfahan, where they stayed with Rozik’s extended family while Hambarts returned to Ahwaz, Khuzestan, never abandoning his job duties with the National Oil Company. The family went through some dark days in the 1980’s waiting for both sons to return from their wartime active duty military service. Thankfully, both of them were spared and safely came home. However, life in Iran at the time didn’t provide many opportunities for the younger generation, so in 1991 both Hamo and Hamlet immigrated to the United States, followed by Hildret in 2001. A year later, Hambarts and Rozik left Iran and rejoined their children in the United States, in the Greater Philadelphia region, where the whole extended family lives to this day. Hambarts and Rozik split their time among their children and their families, playing a crucial role in the care and upbringing of their 4 grandchildren and showering them with love and attention as only grandparents can. After losing
After losing her beloved husband in 2016, Rozik lived independently to the very end. Her home was a warm, inviting place where you could always stop by for a cup of coffee, a lovely chat and a mandatory plate of something delicious she would make for you before you even had a chance to say anything.
Rozik had a curious mind, always followed the news from around the world and continued to learn new crafts or try out new recipes. She never hesitated to share her opinion, but was also very understanding and supportive, oftentimes taking her daughters- or son-in-law’s sides, much to the annoyance of her own children. She was one of the kindest, warmest, most caring, compassionate and welcoming people you would ever meet, always ready with a smile and a hug, the devoted mother to her children and their spouses, and the most loving, doting grandmother – there was nothing she wouldn’t do for her grandchildren!
Her absence leaves a huge hole in the hearts of her family and will be felt very deeply by anyone who has ever had the fortune and privilege of meeting her. The light of her spirit and memory will guide us all for as long as we live.
She is survived by her sons Hamo Boghosian (wife Kari Ghezarian), Hamlet Boghosian (wife Naira Vardapetyan), and daughter Hildret Boghosian (husband Serjik Estepanians), grandchildren Derik Boghosian, Narek Boghosian, Hayk Boghosian and Lilit Estepanians, and sister Armenuhi Khachatoorian.
Friends and family are welcome to attend her visitation from 10am to 11am, Saturday January 18th, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, 8701 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128. Her funeral service will take place at 11am in the church. Her interment will follow at Whitemarsh Memorial Park at 1169 Limekiln Pike Ambler, Pennsylvania 19002.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR).
Online donations can be made HERE.
Checks can be mailed to:
The Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR)
ATTN: George S. Yacoubian, Jr.
150 N. Radnor Chester Rd., Suite F200
Radnor, PA 19087
Gratitude to SOAR from the City of Gyumri
The Mayor of Gyumri presented SOAR with an award for their gratitude for all the work SOAR has done to improve the lives of children and families of Gyumri.
Abstract Armenian Anatomy
Author/Artist/Photographer Adam Torcomian is donating 50% of book sales to SOAR. Limited to 150 copies!
LEARN MORE AND PURCHASE YOUR COPY HERE
Book Sales to Benefit SOAR!
Our own Chuck Hajinian, former SOAR Wisconsin Chapter President and current Executive Board Member, has published his book, “Tall Short Stories from the Mind of Garbo”. He has dedicated ALL proceeds of the book to SOAR.
For autographed copies, contact Chuck at:
Email: hajinian @yahoo.com or
Phone: (262) 352-4140
Get your copy on Amazon now for $18.99!
“For the past decade, Chuck’s dedication to SOAR’s orphaned population is unparalleled, as evidenced by his earmarking to SOAR all profits from this book. What makes Chuck so captivating is knowing that something new is always around the corner. A dentist by training, Chuck enjoys stand-up comedy and putting his experiences and feelings to paper. The 41 pieces in, “Tall Short Stories from the Comedic Mind of Garbo,” offers a wonderful flavor of Armenian optimism. Witty, poignant, encouraging, and insightful, Chuck’s stories give you a glimpse into how Armenians perceive the world, how humor offers a measure of peace in our daily lives, and how easy life can be if relationships were grounded in altruism, trust, and mutual respect.”
–George S. Yacoubian, Jr., Ph.D., LL.M., S.J.D., M.S., Founder of the Society for Orphan Armenian Relief- SOAR
The Global Giving Report for the SOAR Dental Suites, “Dental Care for 235 Orphans in Armenia” is live on GlobalGiving!
View report HERE
UPCOMING EVENTS
CHAPTER ACTIVITY
See what our chapters are doing. From fundraising events and community awareness activities, to participating in SOAR programs with facility residents.
CURRENT FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGNS
The Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID #20-4095458)