Anahid Hovnanian Missirian

With God’s grace and mercy, we celebrate the life of Anahid Missirian. Anahid is preceded in death by her husband, Raphael A. Missiran and in life by their daughters, Mania Missirian, Sonia Kouyoumdjian (Vahe) and Maral Missirian-Dill (Stuart Dill); sister, Dido Krikorian (Sarkis); grandchildren, Sevan Topjian (Keri), Talar Sarafian (Raffi), Haiig Topjian (Nila), Nina Achadjian (Hratch), Shaunt Kouyoumdjian, Raffi Kouyoumdijan, Ani Missirian-Wilson (John), Ohan Missirian (Gina) and twelve great-grandchildren, Van, Siroon, Mane, Noone, Zareh, Shahen, Thadeos, Lina, Lyla, Vera, Sophie and Aline, and many beloved family members all around the globe.

In 1934, Anahid was born into a loving Armenian family in Kirkuk, Iraq. At a very young age she developed a strong appreciation for family, growing up in a loving home.

Anahid was educated at the Catholic School for Girls in Baghdad, Iraq. At thirteen years old, her young mother Yester passed away and Anahid assumed an unwavering devotion for her four brothers and her younger sister. This love extended to her siblings’ families as they grew in number.

As a young woman, Anahid became known for her charm, beauty and lively spirit. While hosting an evening soiree at the popular Armenian Club in Baghdad, she caught the attention of Raphael A. Missirian, a handsome guest singer from Aleppo, Syria. After only three encounters, Raffi proposed to her and the two soulmates were married on April 8, 1956.

Together, they began growing their family with two daughters born in Baghdad, Mania and Sonia. In 1960, with political turmoil brewing, they fled to Beirut, Lebanon. Six-months pregnant with their third daughter, Maral, Anahid and the family immigrated to America, arriving in Philadelphia on April 1, 1963. With great resolve, they started a new life with humble beginnings.

Partnering with her husband as small business owners, her wit and determination were key to their success. Greeting any challenge in life with courage and willfulness, Anahid’s favorite Bible verse came to be Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.”

As the most selfless mother to her three daughters, two son-in-law’s, eight grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren, Anahid’s love knew no bounds. She provided guidance and support while continuously praying for them. Her greatest lesson was the exemplary way in which she showed how to love and be loved.

An avid storyteller and joker, Anahid endeared all those around her. She sparkled through entertaining others, singing in her beautiful operatic voice and dancing with her husband by her side. They spent the majority of their years living in Mount Laurel, New Jersey and retiring in Wellington, Florida. Later moving to Franklin, Tennessee and Severna Park, Maryland to be closer to family.

Anahid’s true legacy is the love she shared with the light of her life, her husband Raffi of 63-years. In faith and love, Anahid lived a life of blessings with gratitude.

There will be a private family graveside service at Mount Hope Cemetery in Franklin, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Anahid’s honor may be made to the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF),

https://www.coaf.org/en/donate/.

To leave a condolence or share a memory of Anahid visit the Tribute Wall.

Asdvadz hokin luysavore.