Laraine Kazanjian-Ballard

Laraine Kazanjian-Ballard, 68, of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home on May 23, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A devoted wife, loving mother, doting grandmother, cherished daughter, supportive sister, adoring aunt, and a treasured friend, Laraine’s loss is felt deeply by her family and the countless people whose lives she touched.

Laraine was the second of five daughters born to Florence and the late Edward Kazanjian. After attending Marple Newtown High School, Laraine graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School where she met Bruce, her husband of 41 years. She later received her MBA from Temple University.

Laraine lived a life deeply rooted in family, faith, music, and community. She was a longstanding member of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, where she shared her gift of music as an organist for 30 years and served in various leadership roles on the Parish Council and Women’s Guild. She was also an active member of the Episcopal Academy community where she served as the Episcopal Academy Parents Association President, formed lifelong friendships, and generously gave her time, energy, and heart.

Laraine will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, resilience, and unwavering love for her family. She had a remarkable way of making everyone feel welcomed, cared for, and valued - always with a big smile. She loved playing the piano, cooking for her family, hosting gatherings, gardening, traveling, listening to Sundays with Sinatra, watching the Phillies, playing tavloo (backgammon), spending time at the beach in Avalon, sewing, and celebrating the Armenian community. Above all, her greatest joy came from caring for and being surrounded by those she loved.

She is survived by her mother Florence; her husband Bruce; her children, Armena, Christopher (Molly), and Michael (Jennifer); her grandchildren, Lucy and Jack; her sisters, Robin Williams (Gerald), Nancy DerSimonian (Nishan), Lisa Kazanjian (Steve Coyne), and Dina Kazanjian (Charles Simonian); and her cherished nieces and nephews, Mark (Carly), Alexis (Ryan), Dean, Jane, Ana, Nicholas, Chloe, and Perri. She is predeceased by her father, Edward Kazanjian.

To say Laraine will be missed is an extraordinary understatement. Her life was a gift to all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, with visitation at 9:30am and her funeral service will start promptly at 11am. A private internment will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Laraine to Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church Permanent Endowment Fund.

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