Theresa Barakian

Theresa Barakian, 96, of West Hills CA passed away peacefully on December 15, 2023. Beloved mother of David Barakian (Marji) and Julie Neverman (Mickey); grandmother of Chris Barakian, Erica Petroze (Peter), Kyle Neverman (Jessi), and great grandmother of Henry Petroze, Lucy Neverman, Harper Petroze, Will Neverman and Janie Petroze.

Theresa was born on August 1, 1927, in Pittsburgh PA. She was an only child and was given much love and provision. As there were very few Armenians in Pittsburgh at that time there was no Armenian church. Theresa was raised in the Episcopal church which she loved and attended faithfully.

She graduated from Peabody High School in 1945 and was accepted into Carnegie Mellon University and graduated in 1949 with a B.S. in Business.

She met and married Abe Barakian who was from Cleveland, Ohio in 1950. They settled in Pittsburgh where they had two children, David and Julie. Abe always wanted to live in California so they finally packed up and moved in 1963. They settled in the San Fernando Valley, and knowing no one, they decided to join St. Peter’s Armenian Church. There they met many wonderful, lifelong friends and were active members.

After her children were old enough to take care of themselves, she went to work at Bank of America. Shortly thereafter they offered her a chance to go on an officer training program. She became a Financial Services Officer and worked for over 10 years at that position before retiring.

Theresa volunteered at the Ararat Armenian Home and served the Valley Guild for many years. She loved to travel, go out socially, and play in card and game groups. 

She will be greatly missed. 

A graveside service will be held on January 12 at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills.