Iris E. (Asadoorian) Kalian
February 18, 1937 — April 7, 2014
Iris E. (Asadoorian) Kalian
77, a retired secretary and Sunday School teacher for 30 years, passed away on Monday, April 7, 2014. Iris was the wife of the late John M. Kalian and they enjoyed a happy 27 years together before his unexpected passing.
Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Gabriel and Sue Asadoorian and the stepdaughter of the late John Aharonian. She was the daughter-in-law of the late George and Mary Kalian.
Iris graduated from Hope High School in 1954, where she was known for her piano playing. An accomplished pianist, Iris accompanied the school orchestra at many recitals and special programs. She continued playing throughout her life and especially loved playing Christmas carols for a crowd gathered at her home at Christmas.
She worked part-time for the Cranston School Department while raising her children and as a secretary for the Providence School Department for 22 years until her retirement in 2001.
Iris was devoted to her church, Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church, where she taught Sunday School for 30 years. In 2011, the church honored her with the Parishioner of the Year Award for her exemplary leadership and devoted service.
She was an active member of the Edgewood Junior Women's Club and participated in many community service projects.
Iris was an amazing and loving mother who devoted her life to her family, who will miss her dearly. She leaves a daughter, Debra (Kalian) Hazian and her husband, Gregory, and a son, John M. Kalian, II and his wife, Lauren.
The greatest joy of her life was being Nana to her four grandchildren, Paul John (P.J.) and Julia Hazian and Gwendolyn and Gabrielle Kalian. She loved spending time with them, attending their school functions, athletic events and dance recitals.
Iris was predeceased by her cousins, to whom she was extremely close her entire life; Harry Charles Georgerian, Irene Zartarian, Albert Melkonian, Florence Hedison and Harold Melkonian.
Iris and her husband John loved to entertain, and their home was always filled with friends and family gatherings known for their hospitality. Iris had a great sense of fun and loved to plan parties with her special touch. She had many close friendships that spanned decades.
Iris left a legacy of enormous love, friendship, and faith. In addition to her love of family, friends and church, she loved music and being at the ocean. A shining light has gone out in all of our lives and she will be cherished and missed forever.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Service on Monday, April 14th at 11 a.m. in Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church, Providence, followed by burial at North Burial Ground Cemetery, Providence. VISITING HOURS are Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Church, 70 Jefferson St., Providence, RI 02908.
Visit www.nardolillo.com for online condolences.
Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Gabriel and Sue Asadoorian and the stepdaughter of the late John Aharonian. She was the daughter-in-law of the late George and Mary Kalian.
Iris graduated from Hope High School in 1954, where she was known for her piano playing. An accomplished pianist, Iris accompanied the school orchestra at many recitals and special programs. She continued playing throughout her life and especially loved playing Christmas carols for a crowd gathered at her home at Christmas.
She worked part-time for the Cranston School Department while raising her children and as a secretary for the Providence School Department for 22 years until her retirement in 2001.
Iris was devoted to her church, Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church, where she taught Sunday School for 30 years. In 2011, the church honored her with the Parishioner of the Year Award for her exemplary leadership and devoted service.
She was an active member of the Edgewood Junior Women's Club and participated in many community service projects.
Iris was an amazing and loving mother who devoted her life to her family, who will miss her dearly. She leaves a daughter, Debra (Kalian) Hazian and her husband, Gregory, and a son, John M. Kalian, II and his wife, Lauren.
The greatest joy of her life was being Nana to her four grandchildren, Paul John (P.J.) and Julia Hazian and Gwendolyn and Gabrielle Kalian. She loved spending time with them, attending their school functions, athletic events and dance recitals.
Iris was predeceased by her cousins, to whom she was extremely close her entire life; Harry Charles Georgerian, Irene Zartarian, Albert Melkonian, Florence Hedison and Harold Melkonian.
Iris and her husband John loved to entertain, and their home was always filled with friends and family gatherings known for their hospitality. Iris had a great sense of fun and loved to plan parties with her special touch. She had many close friendships that spanned decades.
Iris left a legacy of enormous love, friendship, and faith. In addition to her love of family, friends and church, she loved music and being at the ocean. A shining light has gone out in all of our lives and she will be cherished and missed forever.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Service on Monday, April 14th at 11 a.m. in Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church, Providence, followed by burial at North Burial Ground Cemetery, Providence. VISITING HOURS are Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Church, 70 Jefferson St., Providence, RI 02908.
Visit www.nardolillo.com for online condolences.
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