Helen Soukeyasian, 86, passed into eternal life on Friday, May 6, 2011, at her residence at Willowgreen Care Home. She was born in Racine on January 19, 1925, to the late Zadoor and Nazli (nee: Zanazanian) Zakarian. She married Steve Soukeyasian, of Istanbul, Turkey, on December 1, 1957, and they raised two daughters. He preceded her in death in 2003.
Helen made her home in Racine, and had many lifelong friends. A graduate of Horlick High School, she worked at Chase Bank for 25 years, and previously at the Racine County Courthouse, and Veenstra Lumber. After retiring in 1990, she volunteered at St. Luke’s Hospital Gift Shop. She belonged to St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church where her parents were charter members. Helen was also a member of the Armenian Relief Society/Sose Chapter, and St. Luke’s Hospital Auxiliary.
Helen loved being with family and friends, and could always be tempted with chocolate and ice cream. She enjoyed all things Armenian, including music, dancing, and baking breads. In recent years, she also read at least 80 of author Danielle Steel’s novels.
Helen’s smile and her sense of humor will be greatly missed by her daughter Linda (Paul) Jacob, and their children, David and Naomi, of Racine; and daughter Anahid (Don) Schweikert, and their children, Olivia and Natalia, of Olive Branch, MS; her brother-in-law, Hayrabet Soukeyasian and nieces Nadia and Anahid, and nephew Arsen, all of Istanbul, Turkey; cousins Eloise (Jim) Neely of Waterloo, Belgium, Lucy (George) Stand, the Shahmelikian family, Avetissian family and others in California; Ann Dadaian, Rose Bejoian, Elsie Minassian; the Antreassian families of Racine, and other relatives.
She is further survived by many special friends including Sylvia Morrison, Anna Cherkinian, Mary Sahakian, Martha Manogian, Loretta Wahlen, Catherine Miller, Carole Kapellusch, Elizabeth Vatanian, Araxie Ketsamanian, Ann Scantling, Julie DerGarabedian, Marie Konesko, and many others.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church, 4100 Newman Road, with Father Daniel Garabedian officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Memorials may be made to the church or the Armenian Relief Society.
Cynthia Dertadian Soukiasian says
My deepest sympathy’s to the Soukeyasian Family.
Eloise Neely says
We share in the loss of dear Helen and cherish many memories from our childhood onward. Our prayers are with you, Linda, Anahid, and families.
Candee Schick says
Dear Linda and Ann,I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. Our families have been close for as many years as I can remember. She will always be in your heart. She will be watching over you from heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Arsine Shahmelikian says
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Helen will be missed greatly. We have wonderful memories of her which we will keep in our hearts forever.
Arsine and Maro Shahmelikian and Family
Sheryl DiRodrico says
Your Mom was beautiful! Her picture radiates a joyful life. May you find solace and peace in knowing that she is face to face with her Savior.
Naomi Pridjian says
I am so sorry for your loss. Helen was a strong and loving person. May God bless you all in the months ahead. Naomi Pridjian
Boghos-Azniv Shahmelikian says
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Helen was my mom’s cousin and we all loved her very much.
God bless her soul.
Boghos-Azniv Shahmelikian
Ara Pridjian says
My deepest sympathies Helen was always a cheerful delight,and inspiration to be with. Her warmth,love and strength will remain in your hearts and in the hearts of those of us who were blessed by knowing her. Ara
Helen Dadaian Parnagian says
Dear Linda, Anahid and families. It is with great sadness I learned of your mom's passing. Your loss is deeply felt because she was a wonderful person whose presence brightened the room. All who knew her loved her. God bless her soul and may she rest in peace.