Barbara Helene (Simonian) Hagopian

Barbara Helene (Simonian) Hagopian passed away peacefully in her home on June 17, 2026, at the age of 99.
Barbara was born on August 24, 1926, in Buffalo, New York, to Heripsime ("May") and John Simonian. She was
raised in a loving Armenian family and carried the values of faith, service, and devotion to family throughout her life.
On July 17, 1949, she married Sam Hagopian of Niagara Falls, New York. Together they built a life centered on
family, community, and entrepreneurship. During their marriage, Barbara and Sam owned and operated several
successful businesses, including a restaurant, a furniture store, a commercial exterminating company, and property
development ventures.
Barbara attended Buffalo State Teachers College and began her professional career as a first-grade teacher. Her
natural gifts as an educator, organizer, and leader remained evident throughout her life.
She and Sam lived in Niagara Falls from 1949 to 1959 before moving to Syracuse, New York, where they resided
until 1977. They then relocated to Houston, Texas, where Barbara became a beloved and active member of the
Armenian community. Following Sam's passing in 2015, she moved to Philadelphia to be surrounded by the love and
support of family and friends.
For more than fifty years, Barbara was a dedicated member of the Armenian Relief Society. She devoted countless
hours to charitable, cultural, and community activities, and especially enjoyed organizing programs and gatherings for
Armenian senior citizens in Houston. Her leadership, compassion, and ability to bring people together touched many
lives.
Barbara is survived by her four children: Natalie (Arman) Manoukian, Suzanne (Michael) Azarian, Celeste (Michael)
Ayjian, and Sam Jr. (Anahid) Hagopian. She was the cherished grandmother of 13 grandchildren and proud greatgrandmother
of 18 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sam Hagopian; her grandson, Aaron Manoukian; and her
siblings, Greg (Betty) Simonian, Bart (Mildred) Simonian, and John (Rosanne) Simonian.
Barbara was a loved, devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was also
loved by her many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Her warmth, generosity, and dedication to serving others
leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
A private funeral service will be held for the family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
A 40-Day Memorial Service will be held on July 24, 2026, at St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church in Niagara Falls.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church, 322 9th Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, and/or City of Smiles USA Charity Armenian.  https://cityofsmile.org/city-of-smile-usa/ Barbara's life was a testament to faith, family, service, and community.  She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

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