Alina Vartanian

Alina was born on June 9, 1965, in the city of Tehran, Iran, to her two loving parents, Stepan and Nazik Baghdassarian. She was the youngest of three children and was always surrounded by unconditional love and care from her parents and two sisters, Alice and Annette. She lived in Iran for 12 years, where she received her primary education and created many cherished childhood memories with her family and friends. Even as a young child, she was often remembered as having a shining personality and being a loving friend to all.

In 1977, her parents decided that it was best for her to receive her education in Tunbridge Wells, England, due to the difficult political and economic conditions in Iran. At the young age of twelve she moved from her hometown of Tehran, leaving behind her family and friends to continue her education in England. This was a particularly difficult time for her because she did not know the language and culture, and was living with a host family she had just met. Nonetheless, Alina set her fears aside, and quickly adjusted to this new life change.

In 1983, Alina made another major life change when she and her mother moved to Los Angeles, California to begin their new lives in a new country. She supported herself and her mother while attending school and working full-time. Life was difficult as a new immigrant in the United States, but Alina always persevered and put her challenges behind her. Throughout the years, Alina prospered professionally as she launched into her new career as an insurance agent. Over her 26 years in the insurance business, she eventually ventured out on her own to become an independent Allstate agent and business owner. Alina valued helping others and was always regarded with love and admiration by her clients. Even while battling cancer, Alina pushed herself to continue working and helping the clients she had worked with for years.

Alina's personal life would change forever in 1987, when she was leaving a local hair salon and ran into the man who would become the love of her life. That man was Hovik Vartanian, who soon stole her heart. Alina and Hovik quickly fell in love and began sharing every moment together. On April 29, 1989, Alina and Hovik got married and started their new lives together. It was the beginning of what would be the happiest times of both of their lives. On February 14, 1990, Alina gave birth to their firstborn child, Adelina. As a new mom, Alina did everything in her power to protect and care for her daughter. Three and half years later, on November 22, 1993, Alina and Hovik welcomed their second and youngest-born daughter, Natalie. The family has lived together in Los Angeles for over 20 years. Alina and Hovik raised their children to be kind, compassionate, and hard-working women, just like their mother.

In 2012, Alina was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer. Despite living the last two and a half years of her life in constant pain, she always kept a smile on her face and a genuine concern for all those around her. She bravely underwent several rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and two bone marrow transplants. Alina's brave battle with cancer ended on February 2, 2015 at Cedar Sinai Medical Center.

Alina Vartanian was a loving wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend, who always put her loved ones first. She never ceased to show her unconditional love and care to her husband and children. She fought her tough battle with cancer until her very last moments, and she is now peacefully watching down on her loved ones. Her spirit will forever remain in her family's hearts, and she will always be their guardian angel.