Souraya “Sue” Mardirossian Adjami, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed peacefully in her sleep during the early morning hours of June 30, 2026. She was 92 years young.
Born on November 6, 1933, in Aleppo, Syria, Souraya was the cherished daughter of Asteghig Khandgian and Mardiross Mardirossian and the eldest of eight children. At a young age, her formal education was interrupted so she could help care for her younger siblings—Rose, Sebouh, Mariette, Razik, Antoinette, George, and Nelly—beginning a lifelong pattern of selflessness, devotion, and caring for others.
In 1959, Souraya immigrated to Brooklyn, New York, with her husband, John Adjami, where together they began building their family and their life in America. In 1964, they relocated to Worcester to be near her beloved aunt, Vergine Chaparian, where Souraya quickly became an active member of the community. In 1968, she officially became a citizen of the United States, one of her proudest accomplishments.
Dedicated to helping children and families, Souraya first volunteered with Head Start before earning a full-time position as a teacher's assistant. She later joined Astra Pharmaceutical, where she devoted 25 years of service before retiring at the age of 65.
Retirement only deepened her commitment to serving others. Souraya found great joy volunteering with the Ladies Society at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church and through the local Senior Center, especially caring for infants and toddlers. Her compassion extended even further through volunteer work with Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and through her steadfast support of education and charitable initiatives within the Roman Catholic Church. Her Armenian Christian faith was the quiet foundation of her life, guiding her compassion, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family, friends, and community.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years, John Adjami, and her dear sister, Rose.
Souraya leaves behind the loving family who meant everything to her: her three children, Monique Adjami Shevlin and her husband, Michael Shevlin, of Portsmouth; Victoria Adjami and her husband, Ralph Jaccodine, of Medford; and Ronald Adjami and his wife, Lori Adjami, of Westwood.
Her five grandchildren—who lovingly knew her as either Sitto or Nana—were the absolute joys of her life: Nick Adjami, Rachel Miller (formerly Adjami), Mikaela Shevlin, Ben Adjami, and Macy Shevlin. She was recently overjoyed to welcome her great-granddaughter, Jane, born to Rachel and Andrew Miller.
Having immigrated to Worcester from Syria as a young man, her grandnephew, Mike Abdelnour, lived with Souraya for a period of time. Together, they shared a deeply special bond, caring for one another as grandmother and grandson.
Souraya was a remarkable woman whose talents and passions enriched everyone around her. She was a gifted cook known for her exceptional Middle Eastern cuisine, a world traveler with a curious spirit, a skilled seamstress and knitter, and an enthusiastic grape leaf picker whose traditions brought generations together. She possessed a wonderful sense of humor and a playful spirit that delighted family and friends throughout her life. In her later years at The Residence at Watertown Square, she became especially known for her warm and infectious "Sue Smile," a simple expression of joy that brightened the days of fellow residents, caregivers, and staff alike. Whether welcoming loved ones into her home, preparing a favorite meal, or simply sharing her unmistakable smile, Souraya had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel loved, valued, and at home.
Her sense of family extended far beyond bloodlines. Anyone fortunate enough to cross her threshold was welcomed with warmth, generosity, and unconditional love. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, hospitality, and unwavering devotion to family and extended family that will live on through the many lives she touched.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, 635 Grove Street, Worcester, Massachusetts, followed immediately by a funeral service.
A separate burial service will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Worcester Senior Center or to the charitable organization of your choice in honor of Souraya's lifelong commitment to serving others.