Helen Q Chilian, age 95, daughter of the late Youlita Elbag and Armenag Arslanian of Watertown, passed away on April 26 after a brief illness. Helen was the child of Armenian immigrants who like so many others sought refuge and comfort in America. She learned at a very early age from her beloved mother the importance of family, kindness and generosity. She applied what she learned throughout her life as a daughter, sister, aunt, friend and eventually wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a graduate of Watertown High School and worked for the phone company until she met the love of her life, Arthur Chilian, who preceded her in death. She met Arthur at a dance at the Sheraton Commander Hotel in Cambridge and knew immediately he was the man she was going to marry. They lived in Waltham during their 54-year marriage. Together they raised three children David (Karen Kerrigan), Steven (Sally Swihart) and Karen (Alex Bejian). Helen enjoyed cooking and entertaining friends and family, especially at their summer cottage on the Cape. She is fondly remembered for many things, including dancing up a storm at each of her children’s weddings. Nieces, nephews, grandchildren and children of friends adored spending time with her. She never failed to let people know she loved them and complement them on how good they looked. She left the family a wonderful gift - a book, “My Cup Runneth Over”, that tells her and her family’s story.
In addition to her parents and husband, Helen was predeceased by her beloved older brothers Philip Arslanian and his wife Mildred, Rupert Arslanian and Michael Arslanian and his wife Charlotte. She is survived by her children and their spouses, her grandsons Brandon Chilian, Jonathan Chilian (Christopher Emmerich) and Keaton Chilian of Atlanta; Matthew Bejian, Andrew Bejian and Alex Bejian of Needham; sister-in-law Louise Arslanian of Watertown; nephews Paul Arslanian and his wife Sharon of Northampton and Robert Arslanian and his wife Christina of Sebastopol, CA and her nieces Sandra Boyajian of Sarasota, FL and Joyce Arslanian of Framingham. The Chilian/Bejian family wish to extend their sincere appreciation to Helen’s caregivers Ilda and Carrie, who enabled her to remain in her home.
Visiting hours will be held at Bedrosian Funeral Home, 558 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown on Wednesday, May 4 from 5-8 p.m. Funeral Service will be Thursday, May 5 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Helen’s memory to St. James Armenian Church or a charity of your choice. Interment at Ridgelawn Cemetery, Watertown.