Born on May 20, 1925 in Worcester she was a daughter of Armenian immigrants John and Lucy (Avakian) Kustigian. Raised and educated in Worcester, she was a graduate of the former Commerce High School and earned a certificate from the former Felt & Tarrant Comptometer School. She worked as a bookkeeper for Warren Leather Goods and for many years at Lundgren & Jonaitis Dairy in Shrewsbury before retiring.
She married John Simonian April 18, 1948 in the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, and was married for 22 years until his unexpected death Aug. 7, 1970.
Rose loved her family and the time she spent with her grandchildren. She was proud of her Armenian heritage and loved listening and dancing to Armenian traditional music. She was a fantastic cook and maintained all the good Armenian recipes. She loved trips to the beach on Cape Cod with Sam, Eileen and Eric, in addition to Mel and Bob.
A longtime resident of Shrewsbury, she moved to Whitney Place Assisted Living in Northborough six years ago. Life at Whitney Place brought new friendships with staff and residents and daily games of bingo and poker. She will be very much missed.
In addition to her husband, John, she was predeceased by her siblings, George Kustigian and Ann Surabian.
A mother holds her children’s hands for a while…but their hearts forever. She leaves her two sons, Sam Simonian and his wife Eileen of Holliston and Ron Simonian and his wife Catherine of Shrewsbury; and her grandchildren, Eric Simonian and his wife Amanda, Alan and his wife Nicole, and Jeffrey Simonian. Rose is survived by her sister, Mel and husband Bob Shemeligian of Worcester, and by many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will honor and remember Rose’s life by gathering Saturday, July 16 at the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury St., Worcester, where her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Rev. Fr. Aved Terzian will officiate. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery of Shrewsbury. At Rose’s request, there are no public calling hours.
The family is sincerely appreciative and grateful to the staff of the 3rd floor at Whitney Place Assisted Living, Salmon Hospice and 3rd floor staff of Beaumont Rehabilitation & Nursing Center for the wonderful care extended to Rose.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Rose’s name may be made to the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609.
