Shrewsbury – Marion D. (Demurjian) Aharonian, 96, of Shrewsbury, passed away Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017. She was born in Worcester, the daughter of the late George Demurjian, an Armenian immigrant orphaned as a result of the Armenian Genocide, and of Eva (Bedrosian) Demurjian, of Worcester.
Marion was the beloved wife of Aharon (Gerald) Aharonian, the beloved sister of Evelyn J. Eresian, and a beloved aunt to her many nieces and nephews.
Marion owned her own business, an accomplishment for a woman ahead of her time. She was a real estate title examiner with Hobbs Abstract Company for 65 years, and an owner of the company for 40 years along with her sister, Evelyn. The sisters purchased Hobbs Abstract, established in 1870 and the oldest title company in Worcester County, after working for many years with Howard Hobbs, the son of the founder of the company, Horace Hobbs.
She loved taking care of her clients, many of whom she considered dear friends. Her nieces Melanie and Eva Marie Eresian and nephew Ara Eresian Jr. were all privileged to work with Marion and their mother in the business, which continues to this day.
Marion was very proud of her Armenian heritage and donated much of her time to her church, the Armenian Church of Our Saviour. She was a Sunday School teacher for many years, as well as a Parish Board member. She was a longstanding member of the Daughters of Vartan, serving as Dirouhie from 1973-1974. She was honored for her service to the church in 1999.
Marion travelled to many of the states of our country andseveral islands, and accompanied her husband Gerry to Russia and Yerevan, Armenia in the late 1960s as part of a child psychology program aimed at helping children everywhere. The trip to her ancestral home was very meaningful. She was honored to have been a guest of the Catholicos of all Armenians during this trip.
Marion enjoyed knitting, making beautiful infant outfits and blankets. She enjoyed gardening. She was an excellent cook, especially of Armenian cuisine.
Marion had a beautiful voice and loved to sing Armenian songs, Latin songs and music from musicals. She would often sing a song while working or cooking to the delight of all. She sang in the Worcester Chorus for many years. She loved to dance and was an accomplished piano player.
Marion will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Marion’s family Tuesday, Feb. 7, from 10-11 a.m., in The Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury St., Worcester. Her funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery in Shrewsbury.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marion’s name to the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609 or to the ASPCA by visiting the memorials link on their website.
