Theresa Degermajian

Theresa Degermajian “Terri” (Kalashian), age 90, a lifelong resident of Worcester, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 24th.  She was born in Worcester to Mr. Daniel S. Kalashian and Mary (Dadian) Kalashian.  Her husband Garry whom she shared 57 years of marriage died in 2015.  She leaves two children, Gregory D. Degermajian of Worcester, and Katherine (Kathy) R. Wall, wife of Christopher Wall of Fairfax, VA, and her granddaughter Katherine (Katie) J. Wall of Charlottesville, VA.  She also leaves a brother Sarkis Kalashian of Pittsfield, MA and his family, and another brother Daniel Kalashian and his wife Teresa of Dublin, CA.  She was predeceased by her brother Sahag Kalashian and his wife Mary and her sister-in-law Janice Kalashian.  She also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Theresa was raised in the Oberlin St. neighborhood of Main South Worcester and lived there many years when she was married.  In the sixth grade she went to the New Woodland Prep grammar school and took French all the way through high school.  She graduated from South High School in Worcester.  She helped break the ice for her younger brothers to attend public schools as children of immigrants.  She later attended and studied secretarial science at the Worcester School of Business.  

She joined the Spaulding Advertising Company, and later worked at RJ Toomey Company, Kressler, Kressler and Pitnoff and a national fraternity headquarters while raising her children.  She volunteered with the Woodland Street Community School (PTO) Parent Teachers Organization while her children attended the school.  She also was the primary caregiver for her parents and other family members.  She was a member of the Armenian Church of Our Saviour.  Theresa enjoyed spending time with her granddaughter Katie during Holiday and summer vacations pursuing as many activities as possible in the communities.  She also enjoyed attending Katie’s musicals, cabarets and going to Virginia and  the Hanover Theater in Worcester to watch her preform.  She enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox and other sports along with reading.  Theresa will be missed for her sweetness and kindness by everyone who came into contact with her.  Her children wish to express their thanks to Dr. Jarrod Faucher and the providers of the JHC Hospice at the end of her life.

Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours with the family at the Armenian Church of Our Savior on Monday, January 29th at 10:00 AM and followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.  Burial will follow immediately after the church service at the Degermajian family lot in Worcester Hope Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Armenian Church of Our Savior at 87 Salisbury St. Worcester MA 01609.  Arrangements are in the care of Callahan Fay Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St.