Colonel Olga Kalpagian

Colonel Olga Kalpagian passed away peacefully at the age of 94 in her El Paso home. Born in Hopedale, Massachusetts, on January 21, 1931, Olga lived a life defined by courage, service, and kindness.

Inspired by her family's tradition of military service, Olga joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in 1967, serving during the Vietnam War. She broke significant ground by becoming one of the first five women in the U.S. Army to attain the rank of Colonel and the first Armenian-American female Colonel. Her distinguished career spanned more than two decades, with assignments across the United States and Europe.

After retiring from the Army, Olga continued to grow and give back. She earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees and became an active part of her local community. A talented accordionist, she brought music and joy to countless events and was nationally honored as the VA's "Veteran of the Day" in 2020.

Olga was preceded in death by her parents, David Kalpagian and Virginia (Barsamian)Kalpagian, and her brothers Harry, Edward, and Greg. She is survived by her niece Jan Lawson(Earl) and their children Ashley Williams (Mark), Jennifer Marra (Kevin) and their children Jackson, Kinley, and Brandon, and David Lawson; niece and nephews Catherine, David (Tuya) and David's children Ethan and Kim, and Robert Page (Susie); niece Amy Kalpagian Adkins and her son Christian Adkins; and nephew Edward Kalpagian (Vicki) and their sons Jonathan and Robert

She was also a devoted godmother to Lisa Macias (Tyler Kraften) of El Paso and is fondly remembered by her extended Armenian family, including numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews-among them the Barsamians. Her many friends, neighbors, and fellow veterans in El Paso, who provided her with unwavering support, companionship, and care, will miss her deeply.

A Graveside service will be held 10 A.M., Tuesday, July 22, 2025 in the Vernon Grove Cemetery on Depot St Milford Ma.

A celebration of Olga's life will be announced by her family. To honor her memory, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Recommended organizations include:

U.S. Army Nurse Corps Association

Local veterans' services

Wounded Warrior Project

Homeless veterans support groups