Raya Mardirossian

Raya was born on December 15, 1925 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Her life was interrupted when her family relocated to Iran during Russia's Communist Revolution in 1937. A mere teenager, Raya attempted to receive as much education as possible at a time where education was not readily available to females. In 1947, at age 22, Raya married Artem Mardirossian; after which she set up home and raised four children: Evelina, Adik, Matilda and Fred. She devoted her youth to helping her children become successful in their education – to make up for the interruption in hers.
In 1974, Raya and her family immigrated to the United States; and once again, she diligently applied herself to learning English and the new culture she found herself in. With God's mercy and grace, Raya found Christ which impacted the way she lived the second half of her life.
She found a church community where she was healed and found God's purpose for her life.
In her 60's and 70's, spending time with family, especially her seven grandchildren, and walking with the Lord became the joy of her life. Raya led a simple life where quality rather than quantity became her value. She enjoyed time alone, reading God's word, the company of a handful of friends and relatives, gardening, swimming at the YMCA and some traveling with family or church group.
In 2014, Raya experienced a fall, after which her health deteriorated and eventually she lost the ability to walk. With God's grace, given the reality and the circumstances of her health, she maintained her smile, her positive attitude, her love and concern for family. She had a pain-free life to the end of her days.
Raya passed away on November 26, 2014. She went home to be with the Lord.