Dorothy Bournazian

Bournazian, Dorothy ALBANY Dorothy Bournazian, 76, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2008 at home after a prolonged illness. Survivors include her husband of 56 years, David Bournazian; her three children, Nadine of Albany, George of Raleigh, N.C. and Jake of Washing-ton DC; her twin brother, Jack Bournazian of San Diego; four Bournazian grandchildren, David Jacob, David Giovanni, Ani and George; one aunt; many nieces, nephews; and cousins coast-to-coast. Born in Worcester, Mass. on December 22, 1931, Dorothy was a devoted mother who put family first, and stressed the importance of education, strong family values, hard work and doing the right thing as part of a firm foundation for life. She worked as a bookkeeper and property manager for many years and retired in 1989 due to a heart condition. She enjoyed music, especially jazz, history, reading, traveling, and movies. An ardent supporter of the arts, Dorothy helped promote the Albany Berkshire Ballet in the Capital Region. More importantly, she was a "second" mother to many of her husband's students during his 52 years of public school teaching. She was a gracious hostess and great cook who always opened her home to countless musicians, students, friends, and family members. Her warmth, compassion and generosity was appreciated by all who knew her, especially those who were alone or without family nearby. She was an active member of Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church in Troy, N.Y., as well as the church's ladies guild. Dorothy's personal family experiences, while being raised by Armenian Genocide survivors during the Great Depression of the 1930s, gave her a strong sense of humanitarianism. She was continuously generous to numerous organizations and persons throughout her life. She assisted those in need regardless of their race, religion, or ethnic background. Dorothy was, indeed, a woman who truly lived her faith, and will be missed by those who knew and loved her. She has earned her rest in the House of the Lord. Services will be held on Thursday, July 24 at 10:30 a.m. at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc., 276 Pawling Ave, Troy and at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church, 101 Spring Ave., Troy. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 23 from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church. For a private family guest book and service directions, visit www.brycefh.com