Elizabeth Donabedian

WORCESTER-Elizabeth “Betty” Donabedian, 97, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 21^st surrounded by her family.  She was born July 9, 1925 in Pawtucket, RI to Zakar and Youghaper Kinoian.  Her beloved husband Daniel died on July 9, 2010 after 62 years of marriage.  She is survived by her son Brian and his wife Judy, their children Stefani and Taylor, and granddaughter Hazel, her daughter Karen Riccardi and her son James, and her son Mark and his children Andrew and Elizabeth, her sister Gladys Lujan and her husband Jerry of Tucson, AZ, several cousins, nephews, and her niece Mary DerManouelian of Warwick, RI.  She was predeceased by her sister Grace Kazarian, her nephew Richard Kazarian, and her brother Steven Kinoyan.

She was a former member of the Armenian Youth Federation of Pawtucket, RI.  She was employed by Harrington & Richardson Firearms Co. and the Worcester City Clerk’s office retiring in 1954 to become a stay-at-home mom for her three children.

When she was 18 years old she had an opportunity for a singing career.  She performed on stage singing Armenian, Italian, and French songs.  She also sang for the troops.

She was faithful to her church and attended weekly in person and virtually.  She was active working for her church events.  She was an avid reader which was her favorite pastime and a lifelong Red Sox fan.  Being with her family and friends was what she enjoyed most.

The family wishes to express their deepest thanks to Landmark Health and Compassus Hospice for their outstanding home health and palliative care.  And to Jennifer Willman, the home health aid that cared for Betty and became her daily companion for nearly 18 months.  Their help allowed us to keep Betty out of a nursing home honoring her request.

A Visiting Hour will be held Tuesday, November 29 from 5 to 7pm at Callahan Fay Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle St. A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, November 30 at 11am in Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, 635 Grove St. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Betty's church, a place she so loved.