Roxie G. Maljanian

Roxie G. Maljanian, 91, of Newington, CT passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Born in New Britain, CT, the second of three daughters to the late Shavarsh and Vartoohi (Pilibosian) Yessian (a survivor of the 1915 Genocide), she had immense pride in her Armenian heritage. Family life and social activities typically involved church responsibilities, events and religious / cultural education.

In 1956, Roxie married John M. Maljanian of Westborough MA, and they moved to Newington to raise their three children, Debra, Susan and John Jr., remaining in the home that John built until their passing. Their traditional marriage was one to be envied. Both being devoted, hard-working, and smart, they balanced each other perfectly. Life on the idyllic Eddy Lane, where families and children maintained loving and lifelong friendships, was a testament to the value they placed on the community. Monday Bridge, bowling leagues, pool parties, neighborhood birthdays, Girl/Boy Scouts and carpool schedules were all part of the weekly agenda. Until recently, Roxie would walk up and down the street reminiscing about the wonderful life she was blessed with, missing her walks with Tina and cards with the girls.

A graduate of New Britain High School (1951) and The Teachers College of Connecticut (CCSU, 1956), Roxie left her short public teaching career to raise her family but continued to teach Sunday School at the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection, becoming Superintendent for many years. Her love of sharing knowledge was evidenced by the collection of books and resources she used to develop curriculum material. Additionally, she was an active member of the Church choir, Women's Guild, Seniors and the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party Organization.

Not only was Roxie a teacher in the traditional sense, but she was happy to share all she had learned and researched about the destinations she and John traveled to throughout the world. Both clever (jarbig) and extremely organized, all their trips were documented in movies and on film and immediately labeled in albums and filed chronologically on the shelf.

The addition of her eight grandchildren brought immense pride and allowed her to further share her love of music, dancing, gardening, the Red Sox, the beach, travel and Armenian food. She and John were frequent fixtures at sporting and musical events of all the grandchildren, regardless of travel time. She often reflected on the blessings of her life with John and how fulfilled she felt when everyone was together. Roxie so looked forward to her "turn" to host Christmas Eve, where a house full of extended family, food, singing and laughter left everyone overflowing with the holiday spirit.

Roxie is survived by her sister, Lucy Simonian, by her children, Debra Kerr (Gary) and their children, John, Ani (Ryan Pfau) and Aram, Susan Sagherian and her children Jacob (Cynthia), Michael and James and John Maljanian Jr. (Rose) and their children Brianna (Mike Ritacco) and David (Gabrielle),  two great grandsons, Joey Ritacco and Zion Sagherian and nine nieces and nephews.

Roxie is (recently) predeceased by her husband John Maljanian, sister Mary Abrahamian and brothers-in-law Gregory Abrahamian and Arthur Simonian, son-in-law Malcolm Sagherian and nephew Craig Simonian.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the unending support, compassion and visits from Fr. Haroutiun Sabounjian and the weekly service (and wedding) livestreams that Roxie enjoyed. In addition, the family is grateful for the many visitors and exceptional in-home care by Rosa, Roza and Dan, and HHC Hospice (Damian) who were instrumental in ensuring Roxie could remain in the comfort of her home.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection in New Britain.  Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, New Britain.  Calling hours will be on Friday from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at church.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection, 1910 Stanley St., New Britain, CT 06053. Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, New Britain, is in charge of arrangements.