Helen Elizabeth Esserian, age 93, of Weston, MA and formerly of Arlington, VA, passed away peacefully November 17, 2023. She joins her late parents, Hagop and Arika Esserian, her late brother Armen Esserian, and her late sisters Madeleine Esserian Koshgarian (Robert) and Gloria Esserian Kapalis (Mike) in eternal rest. She is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Born in Watertown, MA in 1930, Helen lived a life of independence and avocation afforded to few women of her generation. After graduating from Watertown High School, she attended the Kathleen Dell School of Business. Soon thereafter, she began employment with a leading computer company pioneer, Bolt Beranek and Newman. Her position allowed her to travel the country opening and managing BBN branch offices. Eventually, she settled in Washington, DC and Arlington, VA, where she spent 50 years before returning to Massachusetts in 2022 to be closer to family. Helen was a proud patron of the arts and part-time art dealer. A classical music and opera enthusiast, she attended as many performances at the Kennedy Center as she was able. She participated in finance clubs, book clubs and led lecture series at her local library. She was a lover of all knowledge and learning.
In addition to her siblings and parents, Helen leaves behind her nieces and nephews Pamela Esserian (Billy), Melanie Jandl (James), John Esserian (Jennifer), Erica Kapalis Bond, Dmitri Kapalis (Anne), Michael Koshgarian, Lauren Arakelian (Armen) and Tanya Chakmakian (Douglas) as well as her great-nieces and nephews Samatha and Jillian Jandl, John and Robert Esserian, Jack, Gia, and Joe Bond, Shant and Hayk Arakelian, and Harry and Adam Chakmakian. She also leaves many treasured and adored cousins and friends in the Washington, DC area that she considered her second family. The family would like to offer special gratitude to Natalie and Alex Mumzhiu for all of their love and support over the past 40 years of friendship.
Visitation at Saint James Armenian Church, 465 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown on Wednesday, November 22 at 10AM immediately followed by funeral services at 11AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Armenian Missionary Association of America; “humanitarian aid to Artsakh”, 31 West Century Road, Paramus, N.J. 07652. Donate Here or to the Saint James Armenian Church, Watertown, MA.
Interment at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge.