Helen Anahid Sahagian

Sahagian, Helen Anahid Helen Sahagian, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on March 28, 2013. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1920, Helen Anahid was the youngest child of Nevart-Artemis Zartarian and Sahag Krikor Sahagian of Sebastia, Anatolia Armenia. After graduating from Arlington High School, Helen worked as a secretary while attending evening classes at Harvard University Extension School to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Modern Languages. In 1976, she was awarded a Master of Arts Degree in Armenian Studies from Columbia University. Helen wrote many scholarly articles on ancient and modern Armenian History and recorded the oral histories of survivors (some of whom were close family members) of the Hamidian Massacres in 1894-1896 and the Armenian Genocide of 1915. She was a Founder and Incorporator of the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. After 83 years of being a proud Bostonian, Helen moved to Albuquerque to be with family; however, her memories held fast of Colonial New England history--the people, places, and literature--and of the area�s art museums, concerts halls, beaches, Cape Cod, lobster tail and fried clams, the Boston Public Garden Swan Boats, Filene�s Basement, and most of all, her favorite hangouts in Harvard Square. Helen was a gentle, warm person who always had a smile and extended hand to those whom she greeted. She loved music and was known for her signature dance routine with her new-found partner--her walker. When wheelchair-bound, she became a prolific conductor of all musical performances, live or recorded. Helen is survived by her niece Artemis Chakerian, her nephews Armen and Gerald Chakerian, many loving members of the extended family, and her beloved kitty Sean (a red-haired Irish boy from Boston). She was preceded in death by her brother Edward Sahagian, and her sister Florence Chakerian. The family is grateful for all the loving care that Helen received throughout her residency in New Mexico at Manzano del Sol Good Samaritan Village, The Cottages of Albuquerque, The Retreat in Rio Rancho, and Hospice de la Luz. She thrived on the superb medical care she received from Dr. Paul Greenbaum, Dr. Ricardo Ortega, Dr. Rod Farley, D.P.M. with invaluable nurse assistance from his wife Nedra, Dr. Rebekah C. Allen of Eye Associates of New Mexico and the compassionate and talented nurses, caregivers and hospice chaplain too many to name but all deeply appreciated. We will always remember Helen with the love that she gave to us. Arrangements have been made with Daniels Family Funeral Services. Helen�s cremains will be interred next to her brother Edward in Mount Auburn Cemetery, Watertown/Cambridge, Massachusetts. There will be no formal service in New Mexico. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505-892-9920