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ZOVINAR NAJARIAN LAIR
1933 - 2020
ZOVINAR NAJARIAN LAIR
1933 - 2020
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ZOVINAR LAIR Obituary
87, of Canton, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2020. She was born March 26, 1933 in Port Orange, Florida to the late Hagop and Aghavni Najarian. Zovinar earned a Master of Education from Bob Jones University, Master of Spanish from Middlebury College and a Master of Media from Kent State University. She loved to travel with her late husband, Robert and together led many trips to Cleveland, NYC, Branson and many other places. Zovinar was very wise, a humanitarian, and a major giver. Zovinar retired from Malone University after 30 plus years as a professor of Spanish and Media. She was a member of Presbyterian Church of the Covenant.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Robert Lair of 51 years; sister, Marian; and brother, Zovak. Zovinar is survived by her children, Patrice Djerejian Shure and Michael (Ruth) Lair; grandchildren: Cameron and Mackenzie Lair; brother, Hovak (Margie) Najarian; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
With social distancing guidelines in place and mask required the family will receive friends on Thursday, September 3, 2020 at Reed Funeral Home North Canton Chapel, 801 Pittsburg Ave. N.W., North Canton, Ohio 44720 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Friday, September 4, 2020 in the funeral home from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. with services to follow at 11a.m. with Rev. William Watt officiating. Entombment will follow in North Lawn Cemetery. Please visit: www.reedfuneralhome.com to sign the online guestbook.
Reed Funeral Home, 330-477-6721
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Phyllis J. Staver
August 27, 2022
It's hard to believe that it's been two years already. As I think of the Lair family I have nothing but smiles for each one of you. Dr. Lair's well-thought out sermons, Zovie's warm and gracious demeanor, Marian/Patrice's beautiful and expressive voice, and Michael - your humor and magic tricks. You were so good at that with a twinkle in your eye! Our mother has been gone for 19 years, and that too seems like such a long time. We still miss them but there will be a heavenly reunion one day. That is something to look forward to!
Julian Gang
August 27, 2022
I knew the entire Lair family, Zovi was an Angel on Earth...Julian Gang
Betsy Svach Christy
November 5, 2021
S sorry for your loss. What a grand professor she was during my time at Malone, class of 1974 with a degree in Spanish and French Education. I knew something was wron last year when I did not receive a Christmas card fom for the 1st time since 1974. We had been communicating all these years. I taught Spanish and English for 41 years, thanks to Zovie. Her encouraging words and advice helped me, until I retired in 2015. And even then, she was always proud of me! Zovie will be remembered fondly. Betsy
Julie Lackney
October 13, 2020
I am Julie Lackney I have cleaned for her for 8 plus years. I am so saddened by her loss I would like to get ahold of some one from the family so I can offer my help with anything. I wish I would of known sooner she had the sweetest soul and was Loved dearly by myself, children and family I will always carry a piece of her in my soul Love you my number is 330-409-5425
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Phyllis J. Staver
September 15, 2020
We are so sorry to read about the passing of your dear mother, Zovi. Our time spent together at Sixteen Church was blessed because of all the members of the Lair family. We offer our sincere condolences in the loss of such a wonderful lady.
Angela Sturm Mohler
September 4, 2020
I've know Mrs Lair my whole life and we couldn't have asked for a better neighbor!! She was always so happy and smiling, caring and giving and loved watching my boys grow up as they were playing outside. She will be missed and it won't be the same every time I go to my parents. Prayers to the family.
Patty Long
September 4, 2020
Zovie was full of grace. When I first arrived as a young faculty member at Malone in 1978, Zovie could not have been more supportive, warm and welcoming toward me. That was typical of the way she interacted with everyone on campus over those many years. I was so very blessed to serve with her in the Education department and to regularly witness her extraordinary example of competence and graciousness. I give thanks to God for her life of love and service.
Patrice and Michael, please accept my most heartfelt sympathy. No doubt your dear mother will be greatly missed. She was one of the very best!
Julian Gang
September 3, 2020
I knew about all of the Lair family and they were all as wonderful as Zovinar was, may she rest in peace...Julian Gang
ElisaBeth Durbin
September 2, 2020
Zovie was a very special friend. She was giving, loving and sharing. We worked together on Vacation Bible school and Sunday school. We were like to peas in a pod. We laughed, shared and she was a inspiration to me. I learned so much from Zovie regarding Bible stories. She enjoyed getting costumes ready for teaching stories by bring them to life. She was loved so and will be missed terribly but she is home with her Heavenly Father and at peace. with love
Pat Roberts, Malone University
September 2, 2020
God bless Zovi and Bob for all they did for so many Malone Students.
Helen Ring
September 2, 2020
Zovie was such a good person. She and Bob were so kind to me when I came to The Church of the Covenant. I will miss seeing her smiling face but she is in a much better place than this world. I'm sure Bob was waiting with open arms for her. God bless your whole family. I know it is hard to say good bye to her but you will see her again some day. Love to all.
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801 Pittsburg Ave NW, North Canton, OH 44720
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