Baljian, Barbara Louise of Dedham, formerly of Watertown and Worcester, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025. Beloved daughter of the late Vahe and Rose (Rustigian) Baljian.
Devoted sister of Reverend Archpriest Antranig Baljian and his wife Yeretsgin Cheryl. Loving Horakooyr (aunt) of Nayiri Baljian and her husband James Bell of Weston, MA and Reverend Father Stephan Baljian and Yeretsgin Alice of North Andover, MA.
Cherished Medz Horkour (great aunt) of Avedis, Zaven, and Dalita Bell and Nishan, Hovhaness and Mariam Baljian. Dear cousin to her extended Rustigian and Karaguesian family.
Barbara had a long career in education, holding a Master of Education and a Master of Arts in School Counseling. She worked as a music teacher, as a school guidance counselor who always had an open door and a fresh pot of coffee for her students, and briefly as principal of the St. Illuminator’s Armenian Day School in Queens, NY. She also served in multiple administrative positions within the Catholic Diocese of Worcester and Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church of Worcester.
Barbara was devoted to the Armenian Church, having served at the parish and Prelacy level throughout her life as a church organist, Sunday School director, Board of Trustees member, delegate to the national representative assembly, and member of the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). She was an active member of the Daughters of Vartan including having served as Dirouhie of the Santoukht Otyag.
Family was the joy of Barbara’s life. She was a tireless caregiver to her parents as they aged. She was especially devoted to her niece and nephew, and her great nieces and nephews were the apple of her eye.
Barbara will always be remembered for her penchant for purple, her taste for chocolate, her outgoing personality, her tireless work ethic, and her unwavering faith.
Funeral service at St. Stephen’s Armenian Church, 38 Elton Avenue, Watertown on Friday, October 31 at 12:00 noon. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held in church on Friday morning from 11:00 – 12:00, immediately prior to the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Greater Boston or Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church of Worcester.
Please note: Burial and graveside prayers at Hope Cemetery in Worcester will be held on Monday, November 3 at 11:00 a.m. For anyone attending Monday cemetery services, please go directly to cemetery to join family.