Rozik Khachatoorian

Rozik Khachatoorian, the matriarch and pillar of the Boghosian family, passed away on January 6th, 2025 after an illness that weakened her body but never her spirit. She was born on March 4th, 1942 in Isfahan, Iran, the fourth of six children of Vagharshak and Gyozal Khachatoorian, where she grew up surrounded by love in her big, happy family. On September 21st, 1961 she married Hambartsoon "Hambarts" Boghosian and moved to Khuzestan Province of Iran, where her new husband worked for the National Oil Company. They had 3 children – Hamo, Hamlet and Hildret, and while raising her family, she learned the craft of dressmaking and launched a successful career as a highly sought-after seamstress. 

After the breakout of Iran-Iraq war, the family fled Iraqi bombardments for the safety of Isfahan, where they stayed with Rozik’s extended family while Hambarts returned to Ahwaz, Khuzestan, never abandoning his job duties with the National Oil Company. The family went through some dark days in the 1980's waiting for both sons to return from their wartime active duty military service. Thankfully, both of them were spared and safely came home. However, life in Iran at the time didn’t provide many opportunities for the younger generation, so in 1991 both Hamo and Hamlet immigrated to the United States, followed by Hildret in 2001. A year later, Hambarts and Rozik left Iran and rejoined their children in the United States, in the Greater Philadelphia region, where the whole extended family lives to this day. Hambarts and Rozik split their time among their children and their families, playing a crucial role in the care and upbringing of their 4 grandchildren and showering them with love and attention as only grandparents can. After losing her beloved husband in 2016, Rozik continued to live independently to the very end. Her home was a warm, inviting place where you could always stop by for a cup of coffee, a lovely chat and a mandatory plate of something delicious she would make for you before you even had a chance to say anything.

Rozik had a curious mind, always followed the news from around the world and continued to learn new crafts or try out new recipes. She never hesitated to share her opinion, but was also very understanding and supportive, oftentimes taking her daughters- or son-in-law's sides, much to the annoyance of her own children. She was one of the kindest, warmest, most caring, compassionate and welcoming people you would ever meet, always ready with a smile and a hug, the devoted mother to her children and their spouses, and the most loving, doting grandmother - there was nothing she wouldn't do for her grandchildren! 

Her absence leaves a huge hole in the hearts of her family and will be felt very deeply by anyone who has ever had the fortune and privilege of meeting her. The light of her spirit and memory will guide us all for as long as we live...

She is survived by her sons Hamo Boghosian with wife Kari Ghezarian, Hamlet Boghosian with wife Naira Vardapetyan, and daughter Hildret Boghosian with husband Serjik Estepanians, grandchildren Derik Boghosian, Narek Boghosian, Hayk Boghosian and Lilit Estepanians, and sister Armenuhi Khachatoorian. 

Friends and family are welcome to attend her visitation from 10am to 11am, Saturday January 18th, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, 8701 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, Pa 19128. Her funeral service will take place at 11am in the church. Her interment will  follow at Whitemarsh Memorial Park at 1169 Limekiln Pike Ambler, Pennsylvania 19002.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to SOAR - Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (https://www.soar-us.org,) COAF - Children of Armenia Fund ( https://give-usa.keela.co/in-loving-memory-of-rozik-khachatoorian) or St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rozik Khachatoorian, please visit our floral store.