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Arax Sarajian Obituary
River Edge - Arax Sarajian 92- formerly of River Edge, passed away on April 29, 2020. Predeceased by her beloved husband, Dick. Devoted mother of Richard and Nora Sarajian, Ken and Trish Sarajian, Carol and Jim Kennelly. Adored grandmother of Ara and Alice, Raffi, Garo and Haig Sarajian, Michael and Daniel Kennelly, Ani, and Stephen Sarajian. She was predeceased by her sister, Alice Catchouny Hagopian, and brother, Armen Catchouny. Also survived by her brother-in-law Haig Sarajian and several nieces and nephews.
The daughter of Genocide survivors, Yeghishe and Satenig Catchouny, Arax was born in NYC and raised in Orange, NJ. She attended Packard Business School. She met her husband, Dick at an Armenian Youth Federation function. Their life together was one of giving and charity, filled with her family, her church and community. Arax and her husband, Dick were founding members of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church Ridgefield, NJ, and of the Ladies Guild and Men's Club. They were devoted to the Sunday School, where generations of children knew them as Aunty Arax and Uncle Dick. They were ardent supporters of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America and enjoyed warm relationships with each of our Prelates. She was also a member of the Bergen County Armenouhi Chapter of the Armenian Relief Society for over 60 years. So many of their activities were focused around youth programs, whether it was the church basketball league (and her end of year spaghetti and meatballs dinner), or AYF meetings as advisors, AYF Alumni or supportive parents for Senior Olympics, Junior Olympics, or wherever needed. In River Edge, she served as a Girl Scout leader, Little League team mother and member of the P.E.O. She was known for her keen mind, organizational skills, ability to remember everything (especially phone numbers), and her Bridge skills. For seating plans or church phone books, before there were computers, there was Arax.
Funeral Services will be private and arranged by William G. Basralian Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, Ridgefield, NJ, or the Bergen County Armenouhi Chapter of the Armenian Relief Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arax Sarajian
Sponsored by William G. Basralian Funeral Service.
4 Entries
Sheryl Shahinian
April 25, 2021
On the one-year anniversary, I will always remember my friend and bridge partner. I hope she and my mom are having a good bridge game up in heaven!
Debbie Ali
May 2, 2020
Our deepest condolences to the Sarajian family.
Sandra Leitner
May 1, 2020
My deepest condolences to the many members of the Sarajian and Kennelly families who will miss Arax so much. I admire her service to church and community. I know how ardently her children have followed in their parents' footsteps in being devoted to their heritage and people. In recent years, I grew to know just what amazing parents Arax and her husband must have been as I witnessed the devotion to Arax of her children. It was rare not to see Carol and Jim visiting Arax when I visited my Mom. I know other family members were there often also. You are role models of a strong and devoted family. I hope and pray that you find solace in knowing that you gave her the love and care that she taught you to value. My sincerest sympathies, Sandra
Sheryl Shahinian
May 1, 2020
I met Arax because she was a friend of my mother. At the time, mom had been teaching me how to play Bridge on the computer. When it came time to play my first game, it was at Arax's house in River Edge. I was sooooo nervous...for about a minute. Arax made me feel so welcome with her down-to-earth warmth and friendly nature. Very soon I came to think of her as my own friend, not just my mom's friend. We played Bridge once a week for years after that, and we always had a great time. She was such a generous, good-hearted person. I will miss her and think of her often. I hope she and mom are in heaven putting together a game as we speak.
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William G. Basralian Funeral Service559 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell, NJ 07649
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