Rosalie (Donigian) Kizirian (July 27, 1930 – May 9, 2025)
Rosalie (Donigian) Kizirian of Waltham, MA, formerly of Hanover, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025 at the age of 94. Born in Lynn, MA, she was the first generation daughter of the late Armenian Genocide survivors, Hapeth and Margaret (Donabedian) Donigian. Rosalie graduated from Lynn English High School in 1948. After graduation she worked as a children’s librarian at the Boston Public Library and enjoyed traveling through Europe. Rosalie sang in the choir at St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church and continued to hum along during the online services she watched every Sunday.
Beloved wife of Kenneth Kizirian, they enjoyed 59 wonderful years together. They moved to Hanover, MA in 1966 to begin their married life and business ventures. Rosalie was a devoted mother to Mark Kizirian and his wife Talar Kizirian, Amy Kizirian and her husband Eric Guzelian. Loving grandmother to Aren and Raffi Kizirian and Haig and Stepan Guzelian. Aunt of Steven Donigian, Susan Smith, Tanya Garrian, and Tara Zorian. Rosalie was the heart of the family and dedicated her life to caring for her children and extended family.
Moving to Waltham enabled Rosalie to reconnect with the St Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church community where she attended church regularly and volunteered with the Ladies Guild. In recent years, Rosalie treasured her time with family, playing cards, daily car rides with Ken and enjoying her favorite chocolate ice cream. Rosalie will be remembered for her warm smile, kindness, compassion and sense humor.
Rosalie was preceded in death by her brothers, Albert and Walter Donigian; sisters- in- law, Mary Donigian and Sonia Zorabedian and brother-in-law, Ramon Zorabedian.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the funeral service at Saint Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church, 38 Elton Avenue,Watertown, MA on Wednesday, May 21st at 11:00 a.m. Visiting hours will be held at church from 10:00 – 11:00 am, immediately prior to the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Saint Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church 38 Elton Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472 or St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School (SSAES), 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472.
At the request of the family, cemetery services are private.