Virginia (Armaganian) Madajian

(1 year anniversary of her passing)

Virginia (Armaganian) Madajian was born September 23, 1931 in Racine Wisconsin. She grew up in a tightly knit immigrant community who largely came from Tomarza, Armenia. She was the oldest of three children. Her sister Marianne and brother Harry preceded her in death.

Virginia attended Racine St. Mesrob Armenian Church growing up and singing in the church choir from an early age. She developed a lifelong love for music there. Virginia grew up in the same community as her husband to be, Michael and were family friends. They married just before he joined the military in 1953. They were both only 22 years old.

She taught briefly at Selma High School before they moved to Oakland to raise a family and to continue teaching. She retired from teaching in the Oakland Public schools after serving many years working with at-risk students.

She was active in Saint Vartan Armenia Church in Oakland and played the organ and sang in the church choir for over 55 years.

They moved to Santa Barbara in 2013 to be closer to their son.

Virginia is the last of her generation except for a few cousins. She is mourned by her 2 children, their spouses and her 5 grandchildren.