Obituary of Mary Atikian

Mary Atikian of Calgary, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 30, 2006 surrounded by the love of her family and friends at the age of 96 years. She faced her final days with characteristic strength and courage. Born in Kayseria, Turkey to Armenian parents, Mary’s childhood years were plagued by the tragedies of the Armenian genocide, which culminated on April 24, 1915. Having lost their father during the massacres, she and her three older sisters were separated from their mother and sent to live in an orphanage. From there Mary moved to Palestine where she met her husband, Bedros Atikian, who was also an Armenian orphan. Mary, Bedros and their children enjoyed many years in Jaffa, Gaza and Jerusalem amongst a strong community of Armenians and Arabs, to whom she became well known for her delicious cooking, warm heart and generous soul. In 1970 Mary immigrated to Canada and settled in Calgary. She embraced her new life with hope and pride. She devoted herself to her children and grandchildren and opened her home to the many friends that she made. Her kitchen became a gathering point for the small community of Armenians that lived in Calgary and those that were just passing through. Undoubtedly, she was a matriarch. Mary will be remembered for her smile, her beautiful long silver hair, her wonderful and unmatched cooking, her generosity, her kindness, her resilience, and most of all, her ka’k (braided sweet buns). Mary will be dearly missed by two surviving daughters and a son-in-law, Vrejouhy, and Shakeh and Umeshwar; four grandchildren, Sonia and her husband Gregory, Michael and his wife Cheryl, Chantey and her husband John, and Sapna; and six great-grandchildren, Robyn, Marie, Victoria, Nicole, Meenah and Anoush. We pray that God gives eternal peace to Mary’s departed soul, which now rests in the loving company of her husband, Bedros; and their children, Vrej, Ashkhain and Vahe. The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at the Beverley Centre for the compassionate care provided by them to Mary over the past seven years. Also, a very special “thank-you” from the entire family to Rosalina for her undying commitment and love to Mary. Funeral Services will be held at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church (1121 – 14th Avenue S.W.) on Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to either the Canadian Diabetes Association, #105, 7500 Macleod Trail S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 0L9 Telephone: (403) 266-0620, or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 215 – 12 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 1A2 Telephone: (403) 205-3966. In living memory of Mary Atikian, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.