Westborough – Rose Garabedian Kojoyian, 89, died Monday, May 5, 2014. She was born May 6, 1925 in Lowell, the daughter of survivors of the Armenian Genocide, Takoohe Tavitian Garabedian and Ohannes Garabedian. She was the beloved wife of the late Sarkis V Kojoyian for 59 years, who predeceased her in 2009.
She was the loving, nurturing, and caring mother of Gregory and Melanie Kojoyian. A generous caretaker, daughter, and daughter-in-law, sister, and aunt. She taught us all many lessons by example: the meaning of unselfish sacrifice, hard work and the importance of tradition.
She leaves a daughter, Melanie Kojoyian; a son, Gregory Kojoyian and his fiancé Dr. Linda J Massod; a brother, Charles Garabedian; a sister, Mary Damoorgian; a niece, Debra Damoorgian; a nephew, Peter Garabedian; a grandnephew, Mathew Garabedian; a grandniece, Jennifer; four great-grandnieces; a brother-in-law, Avedis Kojoyian of Virginia; nephews, Art and Armen Kojoyian; and grandnephews, Zachary Kojoyian and Michael Kojoyian.
Mrs. Kojoyian was raised and educated in New York and New Jersey, and held administrative positions during WWII at Wright Aeronautical Engineering in New Jersey. Upon her marriage in 1950, she made a home in Westborough, where she was active in the community.
She was co-owner of Belmont Properties, a commercial real estate firm and holding company, with her husband Sarkis, which was responsible for development of major sections of Route 9 in Westborough.
She was a volunteer in the Town of Westborough for several years, holding the position of secretary to the Planning Board, PTA secretary, and Scout Troop leader. She served as an energetic and creative Brownie Scout leader. As troop leader she organized a successful Regional International Girl Scout Festival, with troops from Central Mass counting over 200 participants. She loved fashion, was blessed with great beauty and style.
An accomplished seamstress, she created Armenian costumes for her troop and instructed them through their folk dance performance on World Friendship Day. During the Westborough Town Bicentennial celebration in 1967, she created costumes worn by the Fire Belles. She was a wonderful cook who prepared traditional Armenian recipes for family and friends that were passed down through generations of women in her family.
She was a member of the Rachel Chapter 61 of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 50 years. A member of the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church and a member of the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Women's Group.
Calling hours are Friday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., at The Armenian Apostolic Holy Trinity Church, 635 Grove St., Worcester, with a funeral service to follow. After interment at Pine Grove Cemetery, all will be welcome at the Shiraz Restaurant, 259 Park Ave., Worcester. Funeral arrangements are by the by Rand Harper Pickering Westborough Funeral Home.
Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to The Armenian Apostolic Holy Trinity Church,. 635 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605.
