Agnes Devejian

ANDOVER — Agnes (Armenian Name Aznev) Devejian, 80, of Andover, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Robert Devejian.

Mrs. Devejian was born in Biddeford, Maine, the third child of Kavork and Mushginaz (Minassian) Derderian, both orphaned survivors of the Armenian Genocide. She graduated from Biddeford High School, attended Bates College, and obtained her teaching degree from Simmons College, after which she taught first grade in the Andover School System for many years.

Mrs. Devejian had a trained voice and enjoyed anything connected to singing: Broadway musicals, opera, acapella, but most of all her beloved church choir, where she was an active participant nearly until her death. Her lovely voice will be remembered by her family and friends.

Mrs. Devejian also possessed a rare gift of creativity, especially with writing stories and poetry. Most recently, her poem entitled "Remembering The Armenian Genocide", a loving tribute to her parents, was published in a local newspaper. She spent summers with her husband Robert in their cottage on Cape Cod, where she enjoyed many happy reunions with nieces, nephews, and friends.

An avid knitter and accomplished cook, Mrs. Devejian enthusiastically supplied nieces and nephews with handmade sweaters, hats, and mittens, and no family gathering would be complete without a supply of Auntie Aggies famous Rice Krispie Squares and Armenian potato bourags (turnovers). Her favorite color was purple, and Aggie could frequently be seen sporting a vivid purple blouse, dress, or sweater. Purple flowers adorned the yard and purple accent pieces dotted the house.

In addition to her husband Robert, Mrs. Devejian leaves one sister, Mary Derderian Brown of Tinton Falls, N.J., and several nieces and nephews: April Derderian Fellows and Scott Derderian, both of Beverly; Faith Derderian of Boston; Peter Tatian of Washington; Michael Tatian of Natick; Amy Tatian Seabrook of Toronto; Matthew Tatian of Woonsocket, R.I.; Sandra Brown Hauck of Middletown, N.J.; Randall Brown of Little Falls, N.Y.; and Deborah Brown of Red Bank, N.J. Additionally, she leaves many grandnieces and grandnephews, one great-grandniece, and dear friends, Dorothy and Vahey Gulezian of Andover, and Margaret and George Toomajanian of Belmont. She is predeceased by brother Setrak Derderian of Beverly, and sister Rose Tatian of Stoneham.

ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial service will be held on Sunday Nov. 16, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. at the West Parish Church, 129 Reservation Road, Andover. Friends and family are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, Armenian General Benevolent Union, or West Parish Church, Andover, MA.