Kenarig Zamgochian

Kenarig Bekelian Zamgochian passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 21, 2026, after an incredible 97 years. She was born in Damascus, Syria to Armenian Genocide survivors, where she gained her strong and resilient character.

Throughout her life Kenarig put family and those she cared about first. She lived through breadlines and an oppressive government in Soviet Armenia, where she was a seamstress working in secret, all so that she could help provide for her family. In 1966, with the help of her husband Vartkes, they uprooted their family of 3 children and moved to the United States in the hopes of a better life with more opportunities. Kenarig then worked tirelessly to bring her beloved sisters Mari and Sirapi and their children to the United States, as well as extended family.

Through all of this, Kenarig loved the arts–especially singing and dancing. She was an avid reader, politically active, prided herself on speaking many languages and would best be described as worldly. Kenarig loved to travel including a multigenerational family trip to Maine, to the sights of Las Vegas, twice, she was able to experience so much. Deeply religious, Kenarig was an active member of the Armenian Church, including the choir well into her late 80’s. In addition to all of this, she was a phenomenal cook, baker and storyteller.

Not only did Kenarig raise her own 3 children, she helped raise her grandchildren and met her great-grandson. She lived an extraordinary life surrounded by a close-knit family and countless friends.

Kenarig is predeceased by her husband, Vartkes Zamgochian; her sisters, Sirapi Derboghosian and Mari Bekelian; her brother, Hagop Bekelian; and daughter-in-law, Mary Zamgochian. She is survived by her sons, Garo Zamogchian and wife Hasmig Zamgochian and Sarkies Zamgochian and wife Astghik Avanesian; her daughter, Lucy Zamgochian and partner Terri Reid; her grandsons, Aram and Arev Zamgochian; her granddaughters, Ani and Kenarig Zamgochian; and her great-grandson, Philip Miranda.

The Zamgochian family would like to extend their deepest thanks to the staff and nurses at Civita Care Sheridan Woods for the outstanding care that they provided to Kenarig over the course of 3 years. A special thanks to Diane, Maria, Michelle, Jackie and Athena Hospice who all treated Kenarig as if she was their family.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 12 PM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 So. Main St., New Britain. Burial will be in St. Thomas Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be on Tuesday from 10:30 AM to the time of the service.