Carol Ramsdell Boyajian: 7/19/35 – 3/5/11 Carol, age 75, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family, in Newton, Massachusetts after a courageous fight against cancer. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Carol was born in New Bedford, MA, on July 19, 1935 to the late Edward Ramsdell and Marguerite (Bartsch) Ramsdell. She is survived by her sister, Eleanor Winter of Indiana. Carol grew up in New Bedford and attended New Bedford High School and later attended Kinyon School of Business. While working at Upjohn Pharmaceutical in Boston she met and later married her true love, Karnig Boyajian in June of 1960, and has resided in Newton ever since.
Carol’s pride and joy was in raising her four children, Charlie, Eddie, Susie and Karen. She dedicated her life to creating a nurturing and positive environment for her children to thrive in. Always keeping a smile on her face, Carol taught her children and all those around her the importance of laughter, keeping a good sense of humor, and living by the Golden Rule. She actively participated in the PTA and assisted in the classroom extensively while her children attended grade school. She taught her children to always work hard and do their best, and demonstrated as such by herself later in life, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with an Associate’s Degree from Mass Bay Community College.
Carol’s second joy was in caring for her 11 grandchildren. Of Charlie and Caron Boyajian, Foster and Caroline; of Eddie and Alisha Boyajian, Nicole, Matthew, the late Alden, Cordero and Levon; of Susie and Tom Salvemini, Jordan, Nicholas and Carolyn Rose; and of Karen and Brett de Blonk, Kate and Sofie. Know as Nana, Nonnie, and Nonny depending on the little voice, she was always the grandmother with the smile, great laugh and huge hugs.
Other than her family, Carol thoroughly enjoyed her girlfriends. She leaves her YMCA "Swimmies," Newton “Bookies” and her Mary Kay "Sisters" as she fondly named them. She loved the times she spent with each. Additionally, Carol, leaves her beloved childhood friend of 68 years, Virginia Laurent of Wellesley, MA and her closest friend and next door neighbor of 45 years, Antoinette Salvucci. Her smile and heartfelt gratitude goes out to her Brain Aneurysm Group and her recent Thoracic Cancer Support group at Mass General Hospital. She gained much strength and support from each.
Lastly, Carol departs her beloved husband, Karnig, of 50 years. The love of her life, Carol worked alongside him in his legal office in Boston and later Newton for most of their married life. Together they were a wonderful team, both in the office and at home, dedicated to bringing love and laughter to their family.
Her family would like to thank all of the special people at Season’s Hospice of Newton, MA and all of her care providers at Mass General Hospital Thoracic Oncology Center, Boston, MA, and most especially her oncologist, Rebecca Suk Heist, MD, and her primary care physician of over 40 years, Michael Levin, MD.
Carol requested a private cremation and thus there will be no public showing or wake. Family and friends are invited to attend Carol’s Memorial Service being held at the Eliot Church of Newton, 474 Centre Street, Newton, MA on Saturday, March 26th at 10:00 am immediately followed by an open house to celebrate her life from 11:00 – 3:30 at Carol’s Newton home at 34 Eldredge Street, Newton, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol’s honor can be sent to:
Season’s Hospice and Palliative Care
Suite 3-102
275 Grove Street
Newton, MA 02466
Or another charity of your choice.
Funeral Home:
Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home
www.lawlerfuneralhome.com
www.tributes.com
www.legacy.com
Memorial Service:
Saturday, March 26th, 2011 – 10:00 am
The Eliot Church of Newton
474 Centre Street
Newton, MA 02458
Celebration of Life Open House
Saturday, March 26th, 2011 – 11:00 – 3:30
The Boyajian Home
34 Eldredge Street
Newton, MA