Mary Zirakian, age 96, of Avon and Watertown, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2026. She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Albert Zirakian, and her daughter Karen.
Mary was the youngest of three children born to parents who survived the Armenian Genocide. Mary graduated from the New England School of Art and Design. She pursued an advertising career in Boston, holding various positions.
While living in Avon, Mary devoted her free time to community activities and serving as a docent for 25 years at the Fuller Craft Museum. Mary loved watercolor painting, line and ballroom dancing, and gardening.
In her Watertown community, she enjoyed art activities, bingo, and outings with her niece, including shopping, day trips to Boston, Newport and Nantasket Beach. Mary will be dearly missed by her five surviving nieces and nephews, as well as her many friends.
Funeral arrangements are private. Donations in Mary’s memory may be made to St. James Armenian Apostolic Church in Watertown or a charity of one’s choice.