Elisabeth Arakelian

Elisabeth Arakelian (nee Benneyan), 94 years old of Mokena, IL (formerly of Oak Forest) passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, June 28, 2024 after complications from hip surgery. 

Elisabeth, also known as Betty, was born in Valence, France on February 18, 1930 to Mesrop and Baidzar Benneyan, both survivors of the Armenian Genocide. She was the second of six children. At the age of 19, Elisabeth came to the United States and lived in the West Pullman neighborhood of Chicago. She went to Fenger High School at night to learn English while working two jobs, Portable Electric Tools and Steinway Drugstore.

During this time, Elisabeth met a handsome young man, Joseph Sarkis Arakelian, who was also from France and living in the West Pullman area. Betty and Joe married January 26, 1952 in Chicago. Betty and Joe later settled in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Chicago, where their four children were born, Annette, Linda, Denise and Kevork. She made sure her children were brought up knowing God and the church. 

During this early period of their marriage, they opened Babette Shoe Store, her childhood name from France. She was very instrumental in this business, especially with her mathematical aptitude and for bookkeeping. Betty was also the backbone of their subsequent businesses including Chicken LaBelle, Sarkis and Son Construction, and Old Mill Pond Plaza.

Betty was very involved at Sts. Joachim & Anne Armenian Church where she was active in the Women's Guild, helping with baking and meals. She was also the church’s Sunshine Girl for over 18 years. She enjoyed going to church, singing and worshiping with the congregation.

In 2020, after 68 years of marriage, Joe passed away. Elisabeth was blessed to be able to continue living in her home with her wonderful companion, Janina, who doted on Elisabeth for the last three years. Elisabeth loved to play games, work on puzzles, getting visits from her family, reading from the Bible and singing songs and hymns from her childhood in three languages. 

Elisabeth leaves behind her four children, Annette (the late Kevork) Sultanian, Linda (Richard) Varadian, Denise (Murad) Borekjian and Kevork (Judy) Arakelian; eight grandchildren who affectionately called her Meme, Rich and Simone Varadian, Sarkis and Sevan (Christine) Sultanian, Mesrop (Talin), Raffi (Amanda) and Sona Borekjian, and Grace Arakelian. She also leaves behind four great-grandchildren who called her Medz Meme, Jack and Louis Sultanian and Mateo and Louys Borekjian. She also was the loving aunt of many both in the U.S. and France. 

She will be truly missed by all who knew her.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to Sts. Joachim & Anne Armenian Church, 12600 S. Ridgeland Avenue, Palos Heights, IL 60463, with memo Elisabeth Arakelian.