Nazalie “Nellie” Nazarian, 102, of Methuen passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 12th, surrounded by her loving family. The last remaining survivor in the Merrimack Valley of the Armenian Genocide, Nellie was born in Chemeshgazak, Armenia, daughter of Elizabeth (Ajemian) and Michael Parnagian. Nellie was predeceased by her husband Stephan with whom she founded Nazarian Jewelers in Lawrence, MA.
In business, Nellie was known for her excellence in making fine jewelry, especially restringing cultured pearl necklaces. Nellie found her greatest joy when in the company of her family. She loved taking rides, even in her later years, to the beach and enjoying fried seafood platters at Markey's Lobster Pool. She also enjoyed cooking, crocheting, embroidering, and sewing.
Nellie is predeceased by her son Ara Nazarian and is survived by his wife Dorothy of Waterville Valley, NH. She is survived by three children, Robert S. Nazarian and his wife Dianna of Salisbury, MA, Marlene Aznoian of Andover, MA, and Raymond Nazarian of Haverhill, MA. Nellie is also lovingly missed by 16 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, a niece, and a nephew. She was also predeceased by her brother Berge Parnagian and son in law Harold M. Aznoian.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, June 17th from 12 noon to 1 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen. A funeral mass will follow 1:30 PM at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, 180 Old Westford Road, Chelmsford, MA, with burial to follow at Bellevue Cemetery in Lawrence, MA. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Nellie’s honor may be made to the Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee C/O Armen Jeknavorian 15 Summit Avenue, Chelmsford,MA 01824. For directions and to offer online condolences please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Nazarian Family through this difficult time.