Obituary of Alice Avedesian

AVEDESIAN, Alice Passed away with her loving family by her side on Thursday, July 10, 2014 in her 87th year, at Hospice Niagara. Beloved mother of Mark Avedesian, Diane (Rob Coddington) Curtas, and Catherine (Brian) Fogg. Adored and loving Nan of Brandon, Lauren, Jennifer and Jonathan. Cherished sister of Jim (Mark Jaques) Hosepian and loving sister-in-law of Sam Tokadjian. Loving aunt and great-aunt of Aram (Tanya) Tokadjian, Anne-Marie Tokadjian, Vince and Charlene Avedesian, and Michael Avedesian and families. Predeceased by her husband Reginald (2011), sister Anne Tokadjian (2008), brothers Michael Avedisian (2013) and John Avedisian (1992) and niece Arlene Titizian (2008). Also predeceased and loved by parents Mary Hosepian (Avedisian, nee Hoodaverdian) and Aristakes Avedisian. Alice was born in St. Catharines on August 7, 1927. She attended Memorial School and St. Catharines Collegiate. She excelled in English. Upon graduation, she became the first person of Armenian descent to obtain an office position in St. Catharines, working at Kernahan and Graves Insurance for 11 years. After marrying Reg in 1954, she worked as a payroll administrator for the Galt Evening Reporter. Moving back to St. Catharines, she worked briefly at K-Mart, then for many years at Canadian Canners, and Stokes Seeds, retiring at the age of 70. She enjoyed playing badminton and always walked wherever she could. She loved gardening, and won awards for her roses from the Niagara Horticultural Society. She was a fabulous cook, and enjoyed passing on her skills to her family. She loved music, especially opera and musicals and was a member of the Armenian Community Centre and Seniors Club. Alice was a loving and devoted family member who truly cared about everybody. She was an intelligent, strong, active and independent person, and her grace and dignity were an inspiration to her family. She was immensely proud of her grandchildren and they became her greatest joy. Alice's family will receive visitors at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street on Tuesday, July 15th from 7-9pm. A service to celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday, July 16th at 11:30am in the funeral home chapel. In accordance with her wishes, cremation will follow the service. If desired, memorial donations to the Armenian Community Centre would be appreciated by the family.