Jeanette M. Assarian of Billerica, formerly of Arlington, MA passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on April 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of the late Richard and Helen (Takvorian) Ayanian.
Jeanette was the beloved wife of the late Vernon Assarian and the devoted mother of Robert and his wife Mivi, Richard and his wife Kerry, David and his wife Kelly, and Jeffrey and his wife Ginny. She was the cherished grandmother of Ryan, Derek, Kevin, Jason, Kendall, Avery, Zander, Justin, Alia, and DJ. She was the sister of the late Eleanor Kostandin.
Born on December 18, 1940, Jeanette grew up in Haverhill, Massachusetts. She later graduated from San Francisco State University and began her career as a first-grade teacher. In time, she embraced her most important role as a full-time wife and mother, guiding her family with strength, love, and devotion after the sudden passing of her husband, Vernon, in 1992.
She found great joy in cooking and baking, especially preparing Armenian dishes and desserts that she generously shared with family and friends. Her spinach borek (Armenian spinach & cheese turnovers) and scratch-made apple pie were family favorites. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, gardening, and taking walks while playing fetch with her golden retriever, Kasey.
Each August, Jeanette spent several weeks at her summer home in Gloucester, a place that held a special place in her heart and became a source of many cherished family memories. There, she enjoyed the ocean views of Bass Rocks and long, relaxing days at Good Harbor Beach surrounded by family and friends.
Jeanette will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and dedication to her family. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Funeral services will be held at Saint James Armenian Church, 465 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown on Friday, May 1st at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held at church on Friday morning from 10:00 – 11:00 am, immediately prior to the funeral service. Burial at Ridgelawn Cemetery, Watertown.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jeanette’s memory to Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue: ygrr.org/