Elizabeth D. Tavakalian

Betty Tavakalian

1925 - 2026

Elizabeth Tavakalian of Broomall, PA. passed away peacefully at home with her children by her side on May 6th, 2026 at the age of 101. Betty was born in Philadelphia on 1/21/1925 to Napoleon & Margaret (Tashjian) Donabedian. Betty exemplified a person who consistently gave her best effort in all her endeavors. She strived for excellence, showed dedication, and reliability whether it involved school, work, or family.  Coming from a home that predominately spoke Armenia, she was able to skip 6 months in Hoffman Elementary School from 1B to 2 B skipping 2A. She graduated from West Philadelphia High School in the upper-third of her class. Under Temple University sponsorship, she was chosen with other upper- third classmates to attend summer school to graduate 6 months earlier in June 1942 to help the war effort (WWII). Betty took and passed the Federal Government Civil Service exam for stenographer-typist, typing 65 words per minute. She was offered her 1st job in 1942. Betty worked for Army Ordnance, Small Arms Ammunition, a sub-office of the Frankford Arsenal, as secretary to a Military Officer for 3 years and also as a purchasing agent of 50 caliber machine gun bullets. The office closed after VJ Day (Victory in Japan) and moved back to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Not accepting the transfer, Betty then worked for the Veterans Administration Vocational Rehabilitation and Education as secretary for 4 years which was for returning veterans who were eligible for the G.I. Bill (Veterans received a free education for their years in military service, plus another 1 year and also subsistence allowance.) Because of the large number of veterans being discharged after the war, Betty expedited assistance for many Armenian veterans. In April 1947, Betty was engaged to Levon Tavakalian with a reception at Town Hall and they were married in October 1947. She continued working at the V.A. In 1950, she worked for the Census Bureau as Supervisor for the Teletype Dept. for 1 year until the office closed until the next Census in 10 years.  In 1951, she worked as a Purchasing Agent for the Signal Corps under the supervision of an engineer. In 1953, they moved to their home in Havertown. Leon and Betty were blessed with 2 children, Brian and Margie. In 1967, they moved into their new home. She consistently demonstrated throughout her lifetime what a devoted daughter she was to her parents but especially when her parents became elderly and sick and moved in with her. She took excellent care of them both along with taking care of her husband and children.

 Being tutored by her father, Betty always had an interest in the stock market.
She loved attending investment seminars and followed the New York Stock Exchange. She was always very organized, keeping detailed records of her portfolio. In 1969, Betty was initiated into the Eastern Star (an affiliation of the Masonic Order). She was trustee and oversaw their investments. She received her 50th year pin February 2019. With attorney Albert Momjian’s recommendation, Betty was accepted into the Paralegal Program, overruling the requirement of 2 years of college. She attended Widener University in 1975 and received her certificate as a Paralegal with specialization in Estates and Trusts.  In 1997, Betty and Leon celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with a reception at St. Gregory’s Church Hall. Betty had a diversity of interests and passions. She enjoyed writing articles for the Illuminator and loved hearing Der Nerses’s feedback of positive approval and praise. Another of her favorites was writing poetry for different occasions. She was an avid and compassionate reader, finishing a book in a few days, especially when she couldn’t sleep at night. Non-fiction autobiographies of famous and successful people were her favorites. Armenian church history, Genocide, or anything pertaining to Armenians was priority reading. Cooking was also her favorite pastime and everything had to be from scratch or fresh. She was a precision person in cooking and baking. Her favorite baking, besides pastries was making choreg every week and hearing how delicious if was.  Playing the piano was a fun time for her when she entertained family and friends.  Gardening was also a favorite especially colorful perennial and annual flowers she tried to keep trim to perfection. Betty was married 58 years when Leon predeceased her in 2005. She loved going to church every Sunday and sitting up front in the 3rd pew to see and hear Der Nerses and the choir and follow the badarak. She was a member of St. Gregory Ladies Guild. She was quiet and low key.  She was a compassionate, giving, caring and devoted mother, wife, and daughter. There aren’t enough words to describe her love

for her family and friends. Her advice in life was “BE CONTENT” and “OLD AGE IS WISDOM.”  Despite many obstacles of health, she persevered and was an inspiration to many.  We love you and miss you deeply mom. You will forever be in our hearts. God Bless You!

Friends and family are welcome to attend her viewing from 10am to 11am, Monday, May 11th, 2026 at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, 8701 Ridge Ave. Philadelphia, PA. 19128. Her funeral service will follow at 11am in the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church.

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