Sylvia B. Tavitian

Sylvia Barbadian Tavitian, age 90, and a 53-year resident of Plaistow, NH died Saturday November 16, 2024, at her daughter's home in Cranston RI.
Sylvia was born June 16, 1934, in Lowell, MA, daughter of the late Hagop & Siranoosh (Sarkisian) Barbadian, Sylvia grew up in a very loving and caring family, the youngest of 5, 1 brother and 3 sisters. Sylvia graduated from Lowel High School in 1952 and worked various jobs (Raytheon, WHAV in Haverhill, MA) until she found employment at Associates and Orthopedics in Haverhill, MA in 1974. She worked as a receptionist, scheduler, and unpaid claims researcher until being furloughed at age 85 along with many others due to Covid-19 in 2020.
Sylvia and her husband Paul, along with family members, built their home 62 years ago, raising their three wonderful children there. Family get-togethers were memorable, and often included fruits of their labor from the garden, peach & apple trees, blueberry bushes and grapevine. Sylvia loved cooking for family and friends, and the dinner table was a comforting source of peace, joy and connection.
Sylvia was heavily involved in her Armenian church and culture. Starting in 1948, Sylvia was a church organist and choir member at St. Vartanantz Armenian Church in Lowell, MA. When she married in 1959, she became a church organist and choir member at St. Gregory the Illuminator Apostolic Armenian Church in Haverhill, MA.
Sylvia also was the first Dirouhie (Matron) of the local Daughters of Vartan chapter in 1971. Sylvia served two 2-year terms on the Grand Council, 1977 - 1979 and 2011 - 2013.
Sylvia is survived by her three children. David and Diane Tavitian of Hampton NH; Debra and John Megrdichian of Cranston RI; and son Daniel Tavitian of Manchester NH; grandchildren Dillon Tavitian of Hampton, NH; Melissa Megrdichian of New York City; Peter Megrdichian of Cranston RI. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and closely related family and friends. Sylvia is also predeceased by her husband of 53 years Paul; brother Nelson, and sisters Bette, Sue and Eva.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to her calling hours on Sunday, November 24, from 5-7PM at the Holy Archangels Armenian Church, St. Michael & St. Gabriel, 1280 Boston Road, Haverhill, MA 01835. Her Funeral Service will be Monday, November 25, at 10AM at the church with interment immediately following at Plaistow Cemetery, Elm St., Plaistow, NH. Funeral arrangements are by H. L. Farmer and Sons Funeral Homes, Bradford~Haverhill.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Archangels Armenian Church, St. Michael & St. Gabriel, P.O. Box 8069, Ward Hill, MA 01835. Please make checks payable to "Hye Pointe".
To share a memory or for more information, please visit www.farmerfuneralhomes.com