Margaret Dadian Donoian

Margaret Dadian Donoian, born July 24,1930, loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, of Shrewsbury (formerly of Westboro, Sterling, Webster NY and Chelmsford) passed away quietly on January 19. She is survived by her sons and their wives, James, his wife Carrie Orgera (Irvington NY), Greg and Linda (Jorjorian) (Millbury, MA), sister Eva Donoian (Bedford, MA), brother Abe Dadian, his wife Lynn (Meredith, NH) and sister-in-law Susan Dadian (Londonderry, NH). She is predeceased by her loving husband Dr. Haig Donoian, brother Al Dadian (Londonderry, NH), brother-in-law Ara Donoian and brother and sister in-law William and Ida Depoian.

She was born in Manchester NH, to Harry and Mary (Attoian), in 1930, before moving to Lowell and Chelmsford with her family. After graduating from Lowell High School as Salutatorian, Margaret was the first in her family to attend college, graduating from Bridgewater State with a degree in education and later obtaining her Masters. She went on to teach in Westford, MA and Bound Brook, NJ.

Margaret married Haig in 1957 and, after relocating several times, the family settled in Webster, NY in 1972. Once acclimated to the weather conditions, she became active in numerous groups including the Webster Women's Club and TWIG. Through her activity in these groups, she found her talent in crafting, especially working in beads, knitting and crocheting, and making afghans to be donated to the local hospitals and hats for cancer patients. The homes of her extended family are adorned at Christmas with her many beaded ornaments and other creations and will provide warm memories for years to come.
Being proud of her Armenian heritage, Margaret was a charter member of the Armenian Youth Federation, Lowell, MA chapter and was a life-long member of the Armenian Relief Society. While living in Webster, NY she became a member of the Rochester Chapter of the Armenian General Benevolent Union.
She served on the church counsel of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepard in Webster, NY using her degree to assist in running the Sunday School. Once moving back to MA, she became a member of the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, again serving on the parish counsel.

Her competitive side could make an appearance whether it was playing Boggle, Trivial Pursuit or making a puzzle with her family which could become a full-contact sport when searching for an elusive piece (which she often took home to drive others crazy). She loved discussing the latest bargain at any department store combining coupons, discounts and sales to her greatest advantage. Haig would say "we should be millionaires from the money she has saved". She was a great cook and baker, and when visiting family, would fill the car with her home-made chocolates and desserts, making sure to include her nephews' and nieces' favorites. She was a great player of the stock market where her gains outnumbered her losses.

Margaret leaves behind "The Ladies" at Southgate in Shrewsbury with whom she enjoyed meals and conversation. Her family thanks Debbie and Betty at Southgate for their kindness and assistance and the staff at Rose Monahan Hospice for their care in her last days.

Her family was her world. She is also survived by her grandchildren Vahan, Zaven, Braden, Maya and Sienna. They all were touched by her love, kindness and wisdom, which they will always carry. Margaret leaves a close family of numerous nieces, nephews and their children. Auntie Margaret was especially close to her nieces Dianne Rees and Kathryn Eskandarian and great-niece Megan Ahigian whom she loved like daughters.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Margaret's name to the Armenian Relief Society Outstanding Student Fund at ARS1910.org or 80 Bigelow Ave, Suite 300, Watertown, MA 02472

There will be a private funeral service at the Armenian Church of Our Saviour on January 22 at 11:00 which will be streamed on the church's Facebook page. There will be a public burial service immediately following at Rural Cemetery, Grove St. Worcester, MA.