Lillian H. "Gulesserian" Joannidi

Cumberland - Lillian (Gulesserian) Joannidi, 100, of Birchwood Drive, died Thursday, October 2, 2025 at home. She was the beloved wife of the late Athenasio "Archie" A. Joannidi.

Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Dr. Harpartzum Gulesserian and Arshalous (Serguijian) Gulesserian, she was a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School, and had resided in North Attleboro, MA before moving to Cumberland in 1974.

Lillian was the only member of the Gulesserian family born in the USA. The Gulesserians fled the genocide of the Armenians in Turkey and ultimately arrived at the Port of Providence. Lillian grew up in Providence during the depression, but she along with her family eventually overcame those challenges. The Gulesserian children became successful by starting businesses and Dr. Gulesserian medical practice also grew and thrived.

Lillian had a wonderful life as a homemaker, raising her children, and especially relished her life with the love of her life, Archie. Archie owned and operated a supermarket with Lillian's brother, Nubar, in North Attleboro.

Lillian was very active over the years. She was a member of Fore Court Racquet Club, and a founding member of Abbott Run Valley Club, where she was a champion tennis player; and even dreamed of playing at Wimbledon when she travelled there once. She enjoyed playing bridge and golf, as well as skiing. Lillian enjoyed traveling with Archie, especially the trips on luxury liners to Italy and Greece. She had fun times traveling to Nubar's vacation home in NH with family and friends.

After Archie passed, Lillian worked in the business office of Rhode Island Hospital, before retiring.

Lillian was proud of the lives led by her children, their accomplishments and the families they raised. She cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Lillian had the Christian capacity to forgive and mend fences, even in the face of great offense. However, she also was full blooded Armenian and could let you know where she stood.

In her later years, Lillian loved spending time with her family. She also enjoyed car rides to admire the beauty of the fall foliage, and found peace sitting outside on sunny days, soaking up the warmth and light with a quiet smile on her face.

She will be fondly remembered for her kind heart, bright spirit and the way she made everyone feel like family.

Lillian was a longtime parishioner of the Armenian Evangelical Church, Cranston.

Lillian is survived by one son, Harold Joannidi of Cumberland, three grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. She was the mother of the late Athena Joannidi, and the sister of the late John Guleserian, Teriz "Terry" Kalunian and Nubar Gulesserian.

Her funeral service will be held Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM in Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln. Burial will follow in Diamond Hill Cemetery, Cumberland. Family and friends are invited, and may attend visiting hours prior to the service from 9:00 - 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions can appreciably be made in her memory to the Armenian Evangelical Church, Cranston, or to Miriam Hospital, Providence. For directions, or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com.