Verkin Arakelian

Verkin Arakelian, 93, passed away peacefully on July 11th.

She was born April 5, 1915, in Whitinsville and was the oldest of nine children of the late Hagop and Mary (Ohanian) Arakelian. She leaves a brother, Arakel "Arco" Arakelian, and three sisters, Katherine "Katchy" Iobst, Nancy, and her husband, George, Gigarjian, and Carol Tosoonian, all of Whitinsville. She also leaves 16 nieces and nephews, 29 great nieces and nephews, and 13 great-great nieces and nephews, all of whom she was a wonderful aunt to. She was predeceased by four sisters, Asnive Arakelian, Anna Palulian, Varsenig Papazian, Asadouhi Goshgarian, and two nephews.

Verkin graduated from Northbridge High School in 1933. After graduating, she started working at McClellan's 5&10 cent store, and over 11 years, she went from sales clerk, to bookkeeper, then assistant manager. She then went to California and worked for two years to be close to her sister, Katchy, who was in the Marines and stationed there. Upon returning to Whitinsville, she opened a variety store on Prospect Street which she owned and operated for five years, at which time her family opened Aunt Mary's Restaurant in 1947, and needed her help. Many family members have worked at Aunt Mary's, but she had worked there since its opening, with her brother, Arco, and she was still doing all the bookkeeping until one month before her death.

Verkin belonged to, and held office in, many organizations. She was a member of Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church in Whitinsville and its Ladies Guild. She belonged to the AYF (Armenian Youth Federation), was a 55 year member of the ARS (Armenian Relief Society), and the Whitinsville Women's Merchant Bowling League for 41 years.

Verkin was an avid Red Sox fan over the past 80+ years, always finding time to take a car full of nieces and nephews to Opening Day. She was very close to her family and always insisted on having everyone together on Christmas night, each year at her house, so she could play Santa to the new generation of family. Verkin loved her trips to Foxwoods, and card games with her dear friends. She was very dedicated in donating to many organizations, not only here, but also in Armenia, to help those in need. She will be missed but never forgotten.

Her funeral will be held at 11 AM, Tuesday, July 15, in the Armenian Apostolic Church. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Calling Hours are 6-8 PM, Monday, July 14, in the Carr Funeral Home, 24 Hill St., Whitinsville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church, 315 Church St., Whitinsville.

www.carrfuneralhome.com