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Helen Manoogian Obituary
After working her way through university earning a BA in History and a BSN in Nursing, she served in the Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II. She was commissioned by the International Mission Board to the Middle East as a nurse. Through a series of unexpected events, she landed in Beirut, Lebanon, where she immersed herself in the Armenian and Arab cultures. She volunteered her services as a nurse at the CMC (Christian Medical Center) Hospital, where she met her husband, Dr. Peter Manoogian. Iola founded a Nursing School, whose graduates were recruited by hospitals in the Middle East, USA, UK and other countries.
Peter and Iola emigrated to the USA in 1986. Iola continued working as a Registered Nurse at Williamsburg Community Hospital until her retirement in 1996 at the age of 75.
Iola was recognized for her contributions to the Middle East and the Armenian and Arab communities. Vanderbilt University awarded her the President's Award of Distinction and recognized her as one of the 100 distinguished graduates at Vanderbilt University's Centennial.
She is survived by six children; 21 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10 a.m. (EST) on April 13, 2024, at Eternity Church, 1200 Wilmington Ave., Richmond, VA, which will be live-streamed.
Memories and Condolences
for Helen Manoogian
Dawn Jones
November 16, 2024
Iola was my hero. She gave selfishly with no thoughts of a rewards or recognition, only her love for her family and community and always with a smile. The only thing greater to her, was her love of Jesus and her faith in God. She was a true spirit of love and faith. I will miss her but know that I will see her again in God's presence.
The Khouri Family ~ Los Angeles , CA
April 21, 2024
Oh Peggy & all your extended Family ;
I have been off the grid , and read about the passing away of Aunty Iola just Now
We; Clio , Dorian & I ( Dina ) are deeply saddened by the loss of Aunty Iola.
We hold on to all the happy memories in getting together in our childhood days in Rabya
Keeping you all vigil in this time of sadness.
With all our love ;
The Khouri Family
Los Angeles , CA
Estelle
April 13, 2024
My deepest sympathy to the family xxxooo e grossman
Jillian Kellie, Helen Anderson and Bruce Anderson
April 10, 2024
Dear Peggy,
We are thinking of you and the rest of your family very much as you grieve for your dear Mom. We have many happy memories of Aunty Ikey. Birthday parties at your home in Ashrafieh, long summer days in the garden at Shemlan, climbing the massive tree and playing hide and seek. Chocolate cake, weiner roasts, toasted marshmallows, tennis games, all provided graciously by Aunty Ikey. We were so fortunate to have had these times with your family, and to have her steadfast example in our lives.
Jillian Kellie, Helen Anderson and Bruce Anderson
Dulcie Anderson
April 10, 2024
Memories of dear Ikey come flooding back, her generosity, her great cooking, her fun generating laughter and joy, and the lovely times we spent in the summers at Dorman´s home in Shemlan, playing tennis finishing with cake and cookies. We miss you and the whole Manoogian family who made us so welcome.
Dulcie and Douglas Anderson.
John Errold Ragland
March 26, 2024
What to say? Mrs. Manoogian (and all the Manoogians) were part of the constant background of our lives. It's as if another brick has fallen from the wall separating the grind of our present lives from the magical memories of an impossibly exotic youth. Thank you for being a part of our lives and may your example, and those of your generation, sustain us as we travel the remainder of our earthly paths. You will be missed. You ARE missed.
John(ny) Ragland
Orissie Faloon
March 25, 2024
My condolences to the family at this sad time. Iola lived a full and fruitful life and has now gone to her reward. She left her mark on the world and will certainly be missed. We shared several things in common; first of all she gave me a wonderful Daughter-in-law and four beautiful grandchildren. And we shared the same birthday although she was six years my senior. May she rest in peace.
Margaret Judson
March 25, 2024
My condolences to the family. Peter and Ikey Manoogian were good friends in Lebanon from 1966 to 1986. We visited with them many times and they hosted wonderful Christmas parties for mission workers. Their lovely family were a delight to us all. Now Ikey is reunited with Peter and rejoicing in the glorious presence of her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ whom she loved and served throughout her long life.
Selene Matthews
March 25, 2024
Thinking of and praying for you, Peggy Lee, and all your loved ones. What an amazing life she lived and legacy she has left.
Grace Hall
March 25, 2024
Many good memories of times in Beirut and one visit in Philadelphia
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