Mary Abrahamian

Mary (Yessian) Abrahamian, 90 of New Britain, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 23. She was born on December 31,1934, at New Britain General Hospital to Shavarsh and Vartouhi (Pilibosian) Yessian, a survivor of the 1915 Armenian Genocide.

On July 9, 1955, Mary wed Gregory Abrahamian. They had four loving children, Lee of New York City, Diane (Dr. Gerard Roy) of Farmington, Gregory of Newington, David of Farmington, and three grandchildren, Jack, Sam, and Lily Roy, who meant the world to her.

Mary was a 1952 graduate of New Britain High School and a 1956 graduate of Teachers College of Connecticut, (now CCSU) with a degree in education. After a short career as a fourth-grade teacher at Hatton School in Southington, she was content to be a stay-at-home mother and for many years, a substitute teacher in the New Britain school system.

Mary led a full and active life. She was a lifetime member of the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection in New Britain. She was a Sunday School teacher for 15 years, ACYOA Juniors Advisor, newsletter editor, church librarian, Women's Guild Secretary and Treasurer, and a member of the choir and Seniors group. For 60 years, she was a member of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party organization. Mary was passionate about sports, playing high school and college varsity softball and basketball.  She was an avid golfer and proud to be the first woman to make a hole-in-one at Bretton Woods in NH after acing the first hole. Mary made another hole-in-one at Stanley Golf Course in New Britain on the 7th hole of the White.  She was an active member of the 18 Holers at Stanley and Shuttle Meadow Country Club. Mary was a staunch Red Sox fan since the Ted Williams days. She religiously followed UConn Basketball and was overjoyed when the Lady Huskies won it all in April. She loved attending and cheering on her grandchildren's athletics in Farmington from Little League through high school varsity sports. She was an enthusiastic card player and looked forward to the Sunday evening Setback games with her family. Music was an integral part of Mary's life. She sang in choral groups like the "Do-Re-Mommies," played the piano, and attended the Metropolitan Opera HD performances. Vegetable gardening was of great enjoyment, especially with her husband Gregory, who passed away in 2012.  Most significant was their crop of purple basil grown every summer for the church feast day, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Mary is also survived by her two sisters Lucy Simonian of New Britain, and Roxie Maljanian of Newington, and nine nieces and nephews. Mary is predeceased by her three brothers-in-law, Paul Abrahamian, John Maljanian, and Arthur Simonian, sister-in-law Margaret Abrahamian, and nephew Craig Simonian.

The family is grateful to Father Haroutiun Sabounjian for his treasured visits and blessings, and for keeping the church livestreams up post-Covid, so Mary could continue to participate in services and discussion groups. Mary was appreciative of her neighbors Mary Ann and Dan Collin for their friendship and help in times of need.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Monday from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection, 1910 Stanley St., New Britain, CT 06053, www.armenianchurchct.com. Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.