Anahid G. Berberian, beacon of love, selflessness
Anahid G. Berberian, 85, passed away Saturday, Dec, 2, 2023, in Manakin Sabot, Va., surrounded by her loving family. She was born Oct. 1, 1938, in Beirut, Lebanon, to parents Garabed and Takouhie (Knadjian) Dekirmendjian. Anahid's warmth and nurturing spirit touched everyone she met, and she leaves behind a legacy of kindness and dedication to her family and community.
In her early years, Anahid cultivated a love for culture and service that would become the hallmark of her lifetime. Her role as a past Women's Guild officer at St. James Armenian Church in Virginia, and her involvement in the Women's Guild for the Armenian Compatriotic Union of Ourfa in Lebanon, spoke to her commitment to faith and heritage. Anahid brought the same passion to her membership with the Daughters of Vartan in California, ARS Pasadena Sosse Chapter, and St. Gregory Armenian Church, where she formed lasting friendships and enhanced the lives of those around her through her unwavering support and generosity.
The talents Anahid possessed were as myriad as the people she inspired. Through cake decorating, gardening, ceramics, reading, knitting, and sewing, she expressed her creative spirit. An excellent cook and dedicated host, Anahid was renowned for caring for all who crossed her threshold. Her love of travel afforded her cherished experiences with friends, but above all, she treasured the time spent with her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life and will carry forward the brightness she bestowed upon the world.
Anahid was the beloved matriarch of her family, exemplifying strength and love in every facet of life. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Nerses Berberian; her daughter-in-law, Rozi Berberian; and her three brothers, Hagop, Hovannes and Sarkis Dekirmendjian. She is lovingly remembered by her children, John Berberian (Houry) of California, Jack Berberian of Delaware, Maral Haboush (Sam) of Virginia, and Julie Berberian of Delaware. Her legacy continues to flourish through her grandchildren, Natalie Haboush Khoury (Elie), Joseph Haboush (Sally), Lara Berberian Sayadzadeh (Andre), Alec, Isabella, Grace, Gia and Lily Berberian; as well as her great-grandchildren, Jude, Nicolas, Alex, Emelia and Sophia.
As we bid farewell to Anahid G. Berberian, we celebrate a life truly well-lived, and a spirit that will eternally guide and inspire her loved ones.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, at St. James Armenian Church, 834 Pepper Ave., Richmond, Va., where friends may visit beginning at 10:30 a.m. Entombment will immediately follow at Westhampton Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Anahid G. Berberian's name may be made to Armenian Compatriotic Union of Ourfa, P.O. Box 7373, Van Nuys, CA 91409; or to St. James Armenian Church, 834 Pepper Ave., Richmond, VA 23226.
