Hermine Varjabedian

Hermine Varjabedian, 92, born on January 6, 1925 in Damascus, passed away February 20, 2017. She resided in Glendale, California, at the time of her passing.

Her parents, Karnig and Nevart Berossian, survivors of the Armenian genocide, settled in Damascus, Syria, and later moved to Beirut, Lebanon.

Hermine attended the Hripsimiantz School for girls. Upon graduation, she enrolled at Beirut University College and received her Associate of Arts degree in Child Psychology.

In 1951 she married Dr. Dickran Varjabedian and formed her own family, having three children: Loussayk, Irena, and Hrag.

Throughout her life, she was an active member of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (A.G.B.U) and its Armenian Youth Association. In 1966, she became the Chairwoman of the Women's Association of the A.G.B.U. until her immigration to the United States.

Due to her husband's active role in the Armenian community, she developed a keen interest in Armenian culture and history. In her 40s, she returned to Beirut University College and took courses in Armenian history. Upon completion of her course work, she published her research in 1969, titled The Great Four, covering the lives and deeds of four great Armenians: Mesrob Mashdots, Komidas Vartabed, General Antranik, and Toros Toramanian, the father of Armenian architectural historiography. The book specifically targeted Armenian-American youth to introduce them to Armenian culture and history.

After losing her husband in 1977, she moved to the United States to join her children. Due to the Lebanese civil war, large numbers of Armenians had migrated to the United States, overwhelming the public schools. Hermine was recruited as a guidance counselor in the Pasadena public school district to help Armenian students whose primary language was not English, assisting them in their academic careers.

Over the years, she was bestowed with four grandchildren, Arthur, Arev, Alik and Noor; and two great-grandchildren, Noyemi and Nirva.

Throughout her life, Hermine helped others in all of her capacities. An avid cook, she enjoyed entertaining guests around lavish tables. She will be remembered fondly by all who knew her and cherished her deeds.

After being bed ridden for eight years, Hermine passed away on February 20, 2017, due to complications from Parkinson's disease.