Hermine known as Helen, Emmi, Mom, Mimi, Aunt Helen and Mrs C to those who
knew and loved her passed away on December 26, 2018. A loving, caring, always
welcoming, gentle and kind soul, she will be greatly missed by family and friends.
The beautiful gift of her laughter and ability to make others laugh will always be
remembered.
Helen was born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1932 to Istepan and Eugenie and was the
youngest of three daughters. Her childhood with her siblings Mari and Roza was a
very happy one, and she was well loved in her Armenian community of family and
friends. She graduated from Lycée Saint Benoit and worked as a bookkeeper until
she met and married Albert Chavooshian, her husband of fifty five years. He married
her in Istanbul and brought her to Upper Darby, Pennsylvania where they raised their
three children, Connie, Doreen and Stephen until they moved to Brigantine, New
Jersey in 1973. Helen’s cherished niece Sylvia from Istanbul, joined the family in
1962 much to everyones delight.
Helen managed the two restaurants the family owned. Patrons called her “Mom”
and would come faithfully for her food and to enjoy her company. She had a unique
wisdom and a gift for seeing clearly through the periphery and getting to the true
heart of the matter. Her advice, when solicited was simple, sound and proved
correct. Through example she instilled strong core values in her children and
grandchildren.
Helen loved a good laugh and would find ways to make people happy through zany
antics, singing, playing her harmonica, and dancing. She was happiest when
surrounded by family and those she loved. She adored her grandchildren; the first
ones to come along were Sylvia and Oktar’s children Devin and Serda followed by
Connie and John’s children Mike and Ike. She loved to cook, especially Armenian
food. She was known for her outstanding yalanchi, manti, sarma, dolma, pilaf,
choreg, apple pie, and her Caesar salad.
Helen is survived by her children Connie (married to John Muradyan), Doreen
(married to Keane Serposs), and Stephen (married to Christine) and her
grandchildren, Michael, Ike, Devin and Serda. The family thanks the staff at Brandall
Estates in Linwood, New Jersey for their loving care of Helen during the past few
years.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 7, 2019 at
St. Gregory Armenian Church, 8701 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Visitation is from 10:00 to 11:00am and the service will follow at 11:00.
Interment will be at West Laurel Cemetery on Belmont Avenue.
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to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Helen H. Chavooshian, please visit our floral store.