of Pawtucket entered into her eternal rest surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, November 14, 2017.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” 

Born on January 1, New Year's Day, in Havana, Cuba to Sarkis and Khanem (Oghassian) Azarian. Her parents were survivors of the Armenian Genocide from Baghin, Palou, Armenia. Maria grew up in the Armenian community of Havana and immigrated to the United States as a teenager, living first in Paterson, NJ and a year later she made Providence her home. Maria was a lifelong parishioner of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church. The church was Maria’s second home and throughout her entire life her faith was her strength. 

On January 20, 1957 Maria married Leo Surmeian in Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church. Devoted mother of four children: Rosanne Hamblin (John), the late John Surmeian (Irene), Lisa Ohanian (Tom) and James Surmeian (Jennifer). Loving grandmother of five. Maria was the dear sister of the late Martin and Alicia Azarian and devoted stepdaughter of the late John Chelebian. Maria had a pure heart and was the pillar of her family, caring for each generation throughout her life.

Maria enjoyed working for the Central Falls School Department for many years, first in the bilingual language program and later in the special education department.  She loved all of her students and cared for each of them with her nurturing and gentle nature. 

Maria enjoyed many pastimes including gardening, cooking, and crocheting.

May God Illuminate her soul.

May her memory be eternal. 

Maria’s wake and funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be held at Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church on Saturday morning, November 18. Her wake will begin at 9 a.m. in the church sanctuary with the Funeral Service to begin at 10 a.m., followed by burial at North Burial Ground, Providence.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church, 70 Jefferson Street, Providence, RI 02908 or Church Sports Scholarship Committee, 159 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence, RI 02906.

 Service Information