Virginia "Vee Vee" (Rafaelian) Gregorian

known for her quick wit and boundless energy, passed away peacefully in the presence of her loved ones on January 11, 2026 at the age of 96..

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, during the Great Depression, Virginia was the daughter of Melkon Rafaelian and Mariam Kodikian Rafaelian. After her mother’s untimely death when Virginia was just thirteen, she stepped into a role far beyond her years. Alongside her older sister, Lillian, she helped manage the household and care for their younger siblings. Those early experiences built the foundation of her remarkable work ethic and her lifelong instinct to support others in their endeavors. A sharp businesswoman, she was a loyal “wing woman” in the truest sense- first as her father’s interpreter and errand-runner and later helping her brother, her husband and her son establish and run their businesses. She was trusted without question and relied upon without fail.

A graduate of Hope High School, where she was voted “Class Wit,” Virginia had a radiant personality and a gift for making people laugh. She met the love of her life, George K Gregorian, when she was just 18, and promptly decided to marry him because of his resemblance to Clark Gable. He, in turn, described her as “a beautiful nymph with a dazzling smile.” They shared a love of dancing and were often the first on the dance floor to do a tango or the rhumba. They enjoyed travel both just the two of them and later on “family vacations” with their children and their spouses. Together, they established Frenchy’s Popcorn in 1956. Later in life, they moved to St. Augustine, Florida where they made many new friends, and enjoyed an active social life as well as late life careers in real-estate.

After her husband’s passing, and well into her 80’s, Virginia, continued to work in Frenchy’s Popcorn alongside her son George. She was game for anything and took pride in their teamwork and shared sense of humor. The two had a special bond, and when George passed away from Covid in 2022, she deeply missed the fun and companionship they shared.

Those who knew her best will remember her for her almost constant smile, ability to recite Armenian songs and poems, her dance moves and especially, her enduring love of her siblings, Lillian, Anna and Ralph. Her children are most appreciative for growing up in a close-knit family that enjoyed spending time with one another.

Virginia is survived by her daughter, Camille Gregorian (Albert E Musard, III) and daughter, Janette (Wayne Brown), her sister Anna Demetrakas, twelve nieces and nephews and their families and off spring. She was predeceased by her son, George

Family and friends are invited to visitation Friday, January 16, 2026 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with a funeral service at 11:00 am at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, Providence.  Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sts. Vartanantz Church, 402 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909 or Armenian Historical Association of Rhode Island, 245 Waterman St #204, Providence, RI 02906.