Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Julia Ashekian Obituary
Julia G. Ashekian, 79, of Kensington, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 15, 2014 surrounded by her family. She was the wife of Clement Ashekian. Born in New Britain, she was the daughter of the late Ohannes and Satenig (Krikorian) Garabedian. She was a former New Britain resident before moving to Berlin in 1960. Julia devoted much of her life to her church and to the Armenian people, with special attention given to the children of Armenia. At St. George Armenian Church in Hartford, she served as organist for 55 years, and also as the Chairman of the Woman's Guild. She would then go on to represent the Woman's Guild nationally, as a member of the Guild's Central Council, Representative of the Ecclesiastic Council of the Armenian for the election of head of all Armenians, member of the National Council of Churches, and was awarded The St. Nerses Metal for persons who excels with aid to the Armenian people and church. The Armenia earthquake of 1988 left in its wake, thousands of Armenian orphans. Julia, along with her husband Clem, established CASP¿.Children of Armenia Sponsorship program. With the help of individual donations, CASP aided 7 orphanages in Armenia which went on to care for several thousand children. Julia quickly realized that once leaving the orphanages, these, now, young adults, would be at risk in the world. So, following in the success of the CASP program, Julia then went on to be co-founder of Mer Doon¿.Our Home. Mer Doon serves as a home for young adults who have outgrown the orphanages. There, in a family setting, they receive caring and an education so that they may lead productive, successful lives. Mer Doon continues to thrive and show tremendous growth with each passing year. For her work, and for positively changing the lives of many thousands of Armenian children, Julia was chosen in 2001 by the Armenian Diocese as the Armenian Church Member of the Year, and was also honored with the Haig Garabed Sarafian Award by the Armenian Students Association of America, in 2004. Surviving are her husband, Clement "Clem" Ashekian; a son, Stephen J. Ashekian and his wife No¿l; a daughter, Caryn LaPointe and her husband Michael; a brother Haige Garabedian; a sister, Hayastan Garoyan; and three grandchildren, Nicole, Alexander, and Andrew. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at St. George Armenian Church. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, New Britain. Calling hours are Monday from 5-8 PM at St. George Armenian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. George Armenian Church, 22 White St., Hartford, CT 06114 or to Our Home - Mer Doon Inc., 84 Ellsworth Blvd, Berlin, CT 06037. Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please share a memory of Julia with the family in the on line guest book @www.ericksonhansen.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Julia Ashekian
Sponsored by the family.
Toni Rackliffe Berlandy
June 2, 2014
Stephen and Caryn,
So sad to hear of your Mom's passing. Your mom was always so welcoming and warm when we were younger. May you find comfort in the many wonderful memories you have. Love and peace to you both. God Bless --
May 29, 2014
I am sorry for your loss please read Joun 5:28,29
May 26, 2014
May the family find strength in the God of all comfort,as you go through these trying times.
Dr. Wayne Dodakian
May 21, 2014
Dear family members of Mrs Ashekian. I have known Julie for many years and have served with her at many functions and had lots of deep discussions with her, and each time I went home, I was inspired, motivated and rejuvenated by her boundless energy and total commitment to all things Armenian. And although I haven't seen her in years, I remember all my times with her like they were yesterday. I will miss her, but it is good to know that she in fact lives on in the hearts and minds of all those she touched.
May GOD rest her soul and bring comfort to her family and friends. AMEN
Alex Parsadanov
May 21, 2014
Julia will be always remembered and honoured by Parsadanovs family.
Lisa Kradjian
May 21, 2014
The Daughters of Vartan truly appreciates all of the years of loving humanitarian service that Julie gave to all of us in the Armenian community. Her founding of CASP and Mer Doon, two charities our chapters support nationwide, will sustain Armenian youth and women for years to come. God bless her soul.
Lisa Kradjian
National Chairman
Daughters of Vartan
Gary, Larisa and Victoria Bagdasarian
May 20, 2014
We've met Julie at church when we first moved to CT. All of us knew her as a beautiful person who had a wonderful ability to make us feel accepted and at ease in her presence. We knew her as a person who had lived her life with dignity, courage, humor, faith and concern for others. Our family feels very fortunate and grateful to have known her. Julie will be greatly missed and always remembered.
May 19, 2014
I knew Julie briefly, but was touched by her immensely. Her legacy will have a profound effect on those she touched. I only hope to be 1/10 the humanitarian she was. God rest her beautiful soul, she will be missed.
Anahid Khachoyan
May 19, 2014
I've known Julie in one form or another since I was a young child. She has always represented dignity, class, kindness, commitment and pride in our ethnicity. Her legacy is one which is immeasurable. She has influenced the young people of Armenia from across the oceans so profoundly... So many young lives had bright outcomes due to her love and dedication.
When my children and I came to St. George, Julie was ever welcoming. She embraced us, literally and figuratively, by enveloping us into the community. My children called St. George home for sooo long because of the love of people like Julie. As substitute organist, I knew the HUGE shoes I had to fill and though I knew I couldn't, I did my best. To me, she was and always will be an icon.
What a tremendous example Julie has been for me, my children and us all. It's unfathomable to think of coming back to St. George and not seeing her beautiful beaming face and having a meaningful conversation with her. She will be missed so very much... We share your grief, Ashekian family, and offer you our support and love...
Ever in our hearts....
Anahid Khachoyan, Dihana Davis and Athena Davis
from Julie's 70th bday party
Alex Mnatsakanov
May 18, 2014
My dear Clem! I'm heart broken! I'm mad at myself that I let so much time go without contact, and there's nothing to do to fix it. You both have been such an important part of our family's life in the US. Julie was one of a kind! One of the most selfless people I have ever had the honor to know, and I will miss her a lot! My love and support to you and the family!
Donald Isabelle Kuoian
May 18, 2014
Clem and the Ashekian Children
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your wife and mother. Julie was a loving woman that will be missed by all who knew her and will be remembered for all that she did for the Armenian community.
May 18, 2014
Dear Mr. Ashekian, Caryn , Stephen and families,
It is with great sadness that I extend my deepest sympathy to each of you. Julie was a brave, committed and unselfish woman who throughout her life always strived to do the right thing.
May your many many warm and wonderful memories give you comfort.
Much love,
Gail Boroyan
Susan Harris
May 18, 2014
To a most wonderful and giving lady. The world is less bright without you in it.
Joyce Sulahian
May 18, 2014
Everyone who knew Julie will miss the bright light of her presence. Her commitment to her Armenian Church and people, together with her beloved Clem, can serve as an example to all of selfless commitment and service for the greater good. She leaves behind a legacy hard to duplicate, particularly in her love for her Mer Doon "kids". They will owe the success of their lives to a unique woman. My condolences to Julie's life partner, Clem, and to her children and grandchildren, brother, sister, countless friends, and all those who share the grief of her loss. May Julie rest in peace after a tough battle courageously fought. Joyce Sulahian
Sarkis Khuzkian
May 18, 2014
Dear Ashekian Family, My sincere sympathies. ADSDVADS HOKEEN LOOSAVOREH. GOD BLESS
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in Julia Ashekian's name
Memorial Events
for Julia Ashekian
Funeral services provided by:
Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home411 South Main Street, New Britain, CT 06051
How to support Julia's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Julia Ashekian's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
