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beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend went to be with the Lord peacefully on October 14, 2025 at the age of 90. She was born June 4, 1935, and was part of the first set of triplets delivered at Lying-Inn Hospital in Providence. Her parents, Yeghese (George) and Siranoosh Hagopian were genocide survivors from Armenia. Sophie shared a profound love and admiration for her parents, who instilled in her the values of kindness, perseverance, and faith. She shared an unbreakable bond with her triplet sisters Mary Bajakian and Emily Elmasian– a connection that transcended distance and time. Their relationships were filled with shared laughter, understanding and a deep commitment of family life.
Sophie was the devoted wife to her predeceased husband Paul Surabian for 59 years. She supported her husband in creating a successful contracting company from the ground up. One of Sophie’s greatest joys was her children and their families. She is survived by daughter Rhonda (Donald) Boyajian, son Paul (Diane) Surabian and daughter Alison (Harry) Haytayan and their children Donald, Caroline (David), Will, Allison (Stefan), Stephanie (Nicholas), Christine, Paul, Harry, Natalie, Jacqueline, Robby and great grandchildren Avery, Nicholas and Theodore. Her legacy lives in these, her loved ones. The anchor of Sophie’s life was her unwavering dedication to her family. Her vibrant, sweet, gentle spirit created an atmosphere of love, welcome, acceptance and steadiness in her home. Even her hobbies were focused on providing comfort. In the early years of her marriage she spent hours sewing clothes for her children, and over the course of her life, countless hours crocheting individual afghans for each member of her family, which they cherish to this day. She was a talented cook and loved preparing delicious meals to gather family and friends in her home. She had the gift of hospitality and worked very hard at creating a home filled with love and fun. Sophie brought joy, laughter and a special spark to all who were in her presence. Sophie loved and had a soft spot for all of her nieces and nephews.
Sophie nurtured friendships that lasted a lifetime. She golfed, played cards, was the member of a bowling team and had a close relationship with her sister-in-law, Anna Kibarian whom she used to meet daily for morning coffee at Buddy Boys. During the 1988 earthquake in Armenia, Sophie took in victims in need of medical help. She nurtured and cared for them until they were strong enough to go home.
Our hearts ache but know that she is at peace resting with our Lord. The family will be having a private funeral service for her.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her memory to Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, 402 Broadway, Providence, Rhode Island 02909.
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