Evelyn Terzian Basralian

BASRALIAN - Evelyn Terzian, passed away at her home in Hasbrouck Heights on December 12, 2003 at the age of 91. She was described by friends and family as a woman of great strength, wisdom and humor. Mrs. Basralian was a particularly remarkable woman because her achievements spanned nine decades and six children, during which time she was uniquely able to give her love, show her understanding and exhibit a willingness to embrace changing attitudes and values of the times, while holding steadfast to the traditions of her faith. She was a prolific letter writer and communicated with friends all over the world. As an avid reader and collector of books, she parceled out articles and books to family and friends on subjects from "what would contribute to living a good family life" to politics and education. Born in College Point, New York, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1935 from New York University. During college, she worked as a dietitian at Macy's in New York and later taught Home Economics in the Cinncinatus, NY, and Lyndhurst, NJ school systems. She was married to Dr. Joseph B. Basralian, a urologist and attending physician at Hackensack University Medical Center. He predeceased her in 1972. She was a founding member, a past president and board member of the Hackensack Hospital Auxiliary. She was also a past president of the Women's Auxiliary of the Bergen County Medical Society. She was a founding member of the Women's Club and Contemporary Society of Hasbrouck Heights. She left a letter to her children which was read at her bedside on Friday in which she said, in part: "I love you all so much and am grateful for God's gift of each of you - all so welcomed, cherished and loved. What a wonderful and blessed life I have had -- good parents, brother, relatives and friends as guardian angels, devoted caring children, and above all, a husband without equal." She is survived by her brother, Lawrence Terzian of Hackensack; son Peter H. and his wife, Sandra, of Houston; son Joseph L. and his wife, Jacqueline, of Franklin Lakes; daughter Evelyn Tashjian Ambrose and her husband, Robert, of Mahwah; daughter Karen M. Topjian and her husband, Joseph, of Englewood; son Gary J. and his wife, Jackie Myers, of South Orange; son Dr. Kevin R. and his wife, Louise Weidel, of Ho-Ho-Kus; 17 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Visiting hours will be at Christ Episcopal Church, 251 State Street, Hackensack on Sunday 7-9 PM, and Monday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2003, at 10 AM. Interment will be at Hackensack Cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) Orphan Child Care, 31 West Century Road, Paramus, NJ 07652 or The Christ Episcopal Church Restoration Fund, Hackensack, NJ. Arrangements by William G. Basralian Service, Hackensack,NJ 201-262-0222