Alice Koharian Larsen

Alice Koharian Larsen, 95
PORTLAND -- Alice Koharian Larsen, 95, of Windham, died unexpectedly Sunday, April 15, 2012 at the Maine Medical Center. She was born in Portland on Oct. 29, 1916 to Serop and Zabel Hekemian Koharian. In 1925 at nine years of age, she was awarded a bronze metal from the Portland Press Herald for excellence in spelling. Alice was educated at and graduated from Portland High School class of 1934. During her high school years, she played violin for the Portland High School Orchestra, participated in basketball, baseball, and the drama club.
For over 30 years, she worked as an office assistant for Central Maine Power. After retiring from CMP, she worked for St. Joseph's Manor as a receptionist and switchboard operator. This position suited her gregarious personality because she loved talking to people and people loved talking to her.
Alice was an active member of the Portland community. She served on the Reunion Planning Committee for Portland High School class of 1934. Her volunteer work included working with Sister Miguel at the School for The Blind, devoting time to the Maine Handicapped, volunteering at St. Joseph's Manor, and ITN. She was a member of the original Portland Armenian Club, a charter member of the 80/20 Club sponsored by Dr. Kenneth Myers, DDS, lifelong member of the Old Timers Club at Central Maine Power, a charter member of Christ Church, and was one of the last remaining 'Dump Rangers' from Washington Avenue. She was a charter member of the Bible Society of Maine and, throughout her life, was an active participant in many various church groups
Alice was the family matriarch and the 'glue' that held them all together.
Relatives and friends will remember Alice for her caring, unselfish devotion to those who loved her and showed her kindness. She loved life. She never missed an opportunity to be with a group of people and contribute to the festive occasion with her sharp wit and abundant laughter. Alice was a flag waving American who had a great love for her country; because of her love of discussing politics, an unsuspecting participant could be in dangerous territory. She took great pride in her Armenian heritage.
Alice Koharian Larsen
Jones, Rich & Hutchins
Funeral Home & Cremation Service
775-3763
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by George R. Larsen, Florence Kelly (sister), Charles Koharian (brother), Ralph J. Powers (son-in-law), and Lucas A. Parker (great grandson). Alice is survived by her two daughters, Janice H. Powers of Westbrook, and Carol J. McNaboe (John) of Standish; one sister, Rose Pletts, of Brunswick; seven grandchildren, Jessica L. McNaboe of Florida, Stephanie J. Steinmetz (David) of Florida, Michael J. Parker of Portland, W. Andrew Parker (Denise) of Lewiston, Carol J. Parker of Florida, Jennifer L. McNabb of Gray, Nicole Kelly of New York; eleven great-grandchildren, Emily G., Trevor M., and D.J. Steinmetz all of Florida, William L. Parker and Marcus Talarico of Lewiston, Julieanna S. Parker of Rhode Island, Victoria S. Parker of Gorham, Patrick Parker (Jessica) of Maryland, Abbey N. Mills(Shawn) of Florida, Sarah J. Corson (Toby) and Jeffery T. McNabb of Gray; three great-great-grandsons, Carter L. D. Corson of Gray, Ryder A. Mills of Florida, Connor R. Parker of Maryland; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to send heartfelt appreciation and special thanks to Kathleen Curtis- Brown, Nancy Kelly-McFarland, Madonna and Everett Brown, Tina Woodbury, and Terry Brinkman for the attention, love, and concern you extended to Alice.
'Friendship isn't about who you have known the longest, it's about those who came and never left your side.'
A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 27, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland, Interment will immediately follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Portland. To share online condolences please visit
www.jonesrichhutchins.com
Gifts in Alice's memory
can be sent to:
Christ Church
1900 Congress St.
Portland, ME 04101 or:
The Armenian Tree Club
(tree(s) will be planted in Armenia in memory of Alice)
65 Main St.
Watertown, MA 04272
www.armeniatree.org