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Laurel Karabian Obituary
Laurel Karabian, who passed away peacefully, was born in Beverly Hills, California to Archie and Eleanor Dickranian. Laurel attended Beverly Hills High School and graduated cum laude from Pomona College where she specialized in Renaissance Studies. She earned her M.B.A. in Fine Arts Management at the UCLA Anderson School of Management. Her love of music took her to San Francisco where she worked as the Associate Director of Development for the San Francisco Symphony. Laurel moved back to Los Angeles to take a position with the Los Angeles Philharmonic as the Director of Development. Later she worked as an independent consultant providing management and fundraising services for arts and community organizations. Beyond music, Laurel was a huge advocate for and passionate about the arts and education. She was appointed by former Governor George Deukmejian to the California Arts Council. Laurel was a member of the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, served as a board member of the Armenian Library and Museum of America, and was the founding President of the Los Angeles chapter of the Armenian International Women's Association. In addition, she contributed her expertise to many other volunteer organizations. Laurel was an avid performing arts aficionado, often going to the opera, theater, ballet, and symphony with her family and friends. She loved to travel and had a specific affinity for Italy, where she spent many summers in Venice. There, she continued to learn Armenian, which was her fourth language, including French and Italian. As much as she loved to travel, many of her happiest times were at her family's home in Malibu and at her apartment in San Francisco. Laurel is survived by her daughter Madeline and her husband, former California State Assembly Majority Leader, Walter Karabian, and his son Benjamin. She is also survived by her sister Cindy (Ken) Norian. Services will be held Monday, October 27, at 11:00am, at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral, 3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arshag Dickranian Armenian School, 1200 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038.
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Memories and Condolences
for Laurel Karabian
DRO AMIRIAN
October 19, 2019
Grim Reaper by-passed me and instead reached and snatched Laurel, who was at her zenith. Laurel learned from the master of the art of giving, philanthropist par excellence, her father, Archie Dickranian. I suspect that Laurel's noble qualities live in her offspring. Continue resting in peace, Laurel.
October 31, 2014
We were saddened to learn of your loss. We know Laural enriched the lives of many and certainly left a great legacy. We extend our sympathies to your family. Rod and Shari Paloutzian
Barlow Der Mugrdechian
October 30, 2014
Dear Madeline and Walter,
On behalf of the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State I would like to offer condolences to you and your family on the loss of Laurel.
Barlow Der Mugrdechian
Armenian Studies Program
Fresno State
Yvette Lettich
October 30, 2014
Laurel and I were classmates all through high school; and this sad news has shocked me to the core. She was a refined, generous and talented young lady who we all admired in high school. I am just so sad I never had a chance to say goodbye.
Bryan Ardouny
October 30, 2014
On behalf of the Armenian Assembly, we extend our deepest condolences. Laurel was a much loved and respected member of our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Arthur Charchian
October 29, 2014
My heartfelt condolences. Laurel was a wonderful light in the community and her caring heart touched us all. She will be missed.
Nathalie Rayes
October 29, 2014
I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of Laurel. My deepest condolences to Wally, Madeline and the entire Karabian family. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Jean Macfarlane-Malarkey
October 28, 2014
Sending my condolences and heartfelt sympathy for all of you. Laurel was one of my first and dearest friends at Pomona. Some of my fondest memories of those years are of overnights in Beverly Hills and Malibu--the warmth of a home away from home. We are all so blessed to have known such a graceful, loyal and generous soul.
Peace be with you.
Ani Aivazian
October 28, 2014
Dear Madeline and Walter, our heartfelt condolences to you as well as Cindy and Ken, may you have peace and the strength to endure the loss of your beloved and beautiful Laurel.
To know Laurel was to love her, she exuded dignity and grace. Her love and passion for the most beautiful forms of art was unsurpassed.
We had long talks with friends, discussing, family, education, travels, matters of the Armenian community and the arts in which she was so involved.
She loved and respected her friends, and shared with us her joy of opera and music. I will always cherish these memories, and think of her fondly.
I will miss my dear friend, May You rest in Peace dear Laurel.
Dro Amirian
October 28, 2014
My condolences to the Karabian, Norian and Dickranian families upon Laurel's untimely passing, and I join the chorus of mourners. I have known Laurel (Laurie) since her pre-teen years, having known her grandfather Mihrtad Dickranian and father Arshag (Archie); I knew Archie very well, having been his financial adviser for many years. I remember vividly Laurel's first visit to Armenia with Archie and Eleanor while Laurel was only in her teens, at a time when the visitors to Armenia were envied. Laurel inherited her admirable qualities from her parents: superior family values of work and business ethics, plus discipline and compassion. Laurel also inherited Archie's philanthropic attributes, thus rounding out truly remarkable family values. I suspect that the offspring has inherited the same superior qualities of Laurel, thus validating the perception that family values do count. Laurel will be sorely missed by the Armenian community in California and beyond.
October 27, 2014
Dear Walter, Madeline and the Karabian Family,
On behalf of the Pomona College community, I offer my sincere condolences and deepest sympathy at Laurel's passing. I knew Laurel through my work with alumni at Pomona College. It was a distinct pleasure to know Laurel - a lovely and accomplished woman. Laurel's grace and beauty lives on through her family and friends.
Sincerely,
Robin Flynn
Alice Seidman
October 27, 2014
I was so sad to hear of the passing of my classmate, Laurel, from Beverly Hills High School. Always such a beautiful, gracious, lovely woman. She will be missed.
Jude Swift Flynn
October 27, 2014
max and i read about laurel's passing in the times and were shocked and saddened. it was only yesterday that laurel and madeleine brightened our lives at marlborough. when we told hannah last evening, she teared up and said, "it doesn't seem possible." dear madeleine, you are in our thoughts and dear laurel, thank you for your time here. rip.
Nelson & Claris Sayadian-Dodge
October 26, 2014
Dearest Madeline & Walter,
Love stays. Your beautiful Laurel will be missed deeply but you'll find the strength to continue to treasure her in fond memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God bless you and may she RIP
catherine hayden
October 26, 2014
So sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Laurel well from days and years at Hawthorne. Rest in Peace and blessings to your family.
October 26, 2014
we got to know laurel in SF before she met a smart and caring mate. We loved her diplomatic personality and are shocked that the world is robbed of her. Christine and John Poochigian
Genevieve Karakashian
October 26, 2014
R.I.P Beautiful Lady. My Condolences and prayers for the family.
Louise Varjian
October 26, 2014
To Walter, My very deepest sympathy in the loss of Laurel, your beautiful wife......so loved by all of us....in her family. To Madeleine, so sorry you have lost your precious, beautiful Mom. Will be thinking of you for a very long time, hoping and praying for you, and Laurel's whole family.
Sevak and Jurgita Khatchadourian
October 26, 2014
Dearest Madeline and Walter, we were deeply saddened by the news of Laurel's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times.
Dan Fendel
October 26, 2014
Fond memories from BHHS so long ago! So blessed your art and light illuminated so many.
Jeffrey Alan Goldenberg
October 26, 2014
I remember Laurel fondly from Beverly High and am shocked and saddened to read of her untimely passing. Her accomplishments were many and I hope happy memories bring some measure solace at this time to the family she leaves behind.
Jehan and Dwora
October 25, 2014
Madeline - our prayers are with you. "May the years she should have lived be added to yours." May you always feel her presence, may you always count on ours.
October 25, 2014
My deepest sympathies to Laurel's husband and lovely daughter Madeline. Such a terrible loss.
Greg and Jackie Metchikian
October 25, 2014
You will be missed. Thank you for your lovely smile and your generous spirit. We will remember you in the waves at Malibu!
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