Marie Der Krikorian

In Loving Memory of Marie Der Krikorian
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Marie DerKrikorian, our beloved matriarch, who left us peacefully on March 31, 2025, in her home. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who touched the lives of all who knew her.
Marie was born on January 20, 1936, in Beirut, Lebanon, to Haroutioun and Anoush Chahinian. She grew up alongside her beloved brother, Kevork Chahinian, in a home filled with love, tradition, and strong family values.
At just 16 years old, Marie married Khoren Der Krikorian, and together, they built a beautiful life, raising their two cherished daughters, Anni and Diana. In 1967, Marie and her family bravely immigrated to the United States in pursuit of a better future. Determined to achieve the American Dream, she learned the trade of seamstress, a craft in which she would later flourish. Her talent and dedication led her to work for various designers, culminating in a distinguished career at Vera Wang, where she created couture gowns for the stars.
Marie was not only a loving mother but also a cherished grandmother to Diana Kalaydjian Berns, Krikor Kalaydjian, Gregory Melkonian, and Natalie Caballero. Her heart grew even fuller when she became a great-grandmother to Beau Nikolas Berns, Christopher Caballero, and Tiffany Caballero. Just knowing they existed brought her immense joy, and she had hoped for more time to watch them grow and get to know them better.
More than anything, Marie was the Matriarch of our family-the glue that held us all together. She was the heart and soul of every gathering, always striving to keep the family close and united. She had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel special, and her home was always open, filled with laughter, stories, and the comforting aroma of her incredible cooking. Sunday dinners at her home in Astoria, Queens, were legendary, where family and friends gathered around her table, enjoying meals made with love.
Marie's love extended beyond her immediate family. She adored her nieces and nephew, Lena Vartanian, Anouche Bagrevandian, and Haroutioun Chahinian, as well as their children and their children's children. She was a guiding light in their lives, always offering kindness, wisdom, and a warm embrace.
Marie was everyone's grandmother-a woman whose warmth and kindness extended far beyond her own family. She was incredibly social and friendly, and anyone who met her instantly fell in love with her. Her presence could light up a room, and she had a unique way of making everyone feel like family.
Funeral services honoring Marie Der Krikorian will be held on:
Thursday, April 3rd, 5:00 PM
St. David Armenian Apostolic Church
2300 Yamato Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33431
A reception will follow immediately in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. David's Armenian Church in Marie's honor: https://stdavidchurchfl.org/donation/
Marie's legacy is one of love, generosity, and deep connections. She devoted her life to nurturing and keeping the family together, and though she is no longer with us, her spirit will continue to unite us. She will be deeply missed but will live on in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her.
May her memory be eternal.
Professional arrangements by:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Marie (Chahinian) Der Krikorian, please visit our floral store.