Service Details
Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church, 4100 North Newman Road, Racine. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. A visitation will take place at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials for Var may be made to St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church, Armenian Relief Society Soseh Chapter of Wisconsin, and Kiwanis Club of West Racine.
Var Krikorian passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024. A lifelong resident of Racine, Var was born on May 13, 1929, daughter of the late Armen and Armenouhie “Rose” (nee: Esayian) Bagdasarian.
Var was a graduate of Wm Horlick High School and attended UW-Parkside. She later attended UW-Milwaukee and earned her Masters degree in education.
On August 11, 1973, in Chicago, Var was united in marriage to Stephan Krikorian. Var and Steve were a caring couple who gave so much of themselves and brought joy to many. They especially enjoyed watching their nieces and nephews grow up. Steve passed away in 1987.
Var was a Spanish teacher at JI Case High School for 20 years. She loved children and cared deeply about the youth in her community, always striving for excellence as an educator. Prior to her teaching career, she was a beautician for several years.
Var was an active, lifelong member of St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church. She was also a member of Kiwanis Club of West Racine, the AAUW, and the Armenian Relief Society. She enjoyed flower gardening and traveling. Var will always be remembered for lending a helping hand to people in any way she could. When a task was in front of her, she was driven and determined.
Var will be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Madelynn Bagdasarian, cousin, Peter Bagdassian, special friend Marybeth Zuhlke, other relatives and many dear friends. She considered the entire Armenian community in Racine her extended family. Along with her parents and husband, Var was preceded in death by her brothers Alex (Rose) Bagdasarian and Michael Bagdasarian, niece Terri Gelenian-Wood, and sister-in-law Rosemary (Augie) Gelenian.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church, 4100 North Newman Road, Racine. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. A visitation will take place at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
Memorials for Var may be made to St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church, Armenian Relief Society Soseh Chapter of Wisconsin, and Kiwanis Club of West Racine.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dana and her team for their care and compassion.
Marybeth Zuhlke says
Var Krikorian was a dear friend and role model. She was always ready to help anyone with
kindness and a beautiful smile. She loved to garden and play with young children. I have
many memories of us walking around the neighborhood with my granddaughter Skye and picking up litter. Var said…”we must make the world a more beautiful place.” Var loved
to chat and cuddle with my great grandchildren Antonio and Nia. She will be remembered
and loved forever. With sympathy and prayers to her nephew Dan and niece Karen.
Jenny Bagdassian says
Var was a wonderfully warm, genuine person who will be greatly missed. I have only the fondest memories of her smile, hospitality and kind personality.
My deepest condolences to her family, Dan, Jody, Madelynn, David, Karen and Michael.
Warm hugs- Jenny Clifford (Bagdassian)
Theresa (Poulsen) Sullivan says
Mrs. Krikorian was my Spanish teacher at Case for 3 years. While my Spanish didn’t last in my memories very well, she sure )did. Mrs. Krikorian was such a great teacher. I never minded her class because of her. I am very sorry for your loss and her family will be in my prayers.
Linda Campeau says
Fun, kind, joyful, loving, and most of all, a woman who had a perpetual smile on her face is how I would describe my friend Var. A shopper, a stylish dresser, a movie and play goer, as well as a devout church person, Var always put people first.
Var may not have lived to be 100 to see her goal of getting on the Smuckers Jar, but all her other wishes were granted in the full life she lived.
On the day of the funeral
Var will be looking down from heaven and saying ” Let’s go to my house for a bite to eat after”.
Skye VanLanduyt says
I’ve known Var since I was 7 years old. She and I would go for walks, feed her koi fish, and make dolmas for Armenian fest.. I called her my oldest friend (in a loving way).
She was the sweetest, most loving person. She was there for me when my grandpa died and made sure my grandma wasn’t lonely when I moved to Kansas City. I will miss her very much.
JoAnn Hansen says
To Var’s family and other friends, I send my deepest sympathy. r
Var was the type of person and friend, you would never forget. How lucky I was to have had her in my life. Thanksk to a mutual friend, Joanie Staupe. I was able to meet Var and create a long time friendship.
These are some fond memories I have of Var:
•SHE was a very “optimistic”person.
•SHE would always greet you with a “big smile” on her face😋
• SHE was a “great” cook and hostess. Her food was delicious, but she also knew how to bring people together… for a good time!
On my birthday, she would prepare my favorite Armenian dish. It was “so delicious” and what “a special gift” to receive from a friend. It came from her ❤️ and hands.
• SHE had “elegant” taste in every thing she brought or gave as a gift. It came with kindness, in which she put a lot of thought. Plus, she was fun to shop with…I know from experience!
• SHE was very “adventurous”and always willing to try “new” things. She would say: “Call me anytime time and I’m ready to go anywhere.” Nothing stopped her!
It is sad knowing Var is no longer with us in body. But, her spirit lives on! She leaves us knowing the importance of what integrity means, being kind, sharing in different ways, and being joyful! But, don’t forget…the importance of faith in our everyday lives.
May Var rest in peace.
Kyle Kristofer VanLanduyt says
Var was wonderful, full of love & an open heart. Special friends & family will always remember her grace & love she sent out to all in her presence. Condolences to all her family and friends.
Shalonda Bell says
My sweet Var, such a pleasure of being one of your caregivers at Elizabeth Gardens. She will be truly missed!
Anonymous says
Mary Ann Lackovich
Once Var came to one of our Post 31st World Congress of Poets events, she was always present at any we had. She was SO supportive, always smiling, most encouraging and appreciative of my efforts. May God grant her a high place in Heaven , where He can prominently see her genuine heart-smile forever praising Him! My condolences to all , who will miss her, and my gratitude to Marybeth Zuhlke for introducing her to me and always including her.
Jeanne & Don Tyree-Francis says
This world has lost a beautiful soul with Var’s passing. Var was such an optimistic and sweet person who was always smiling and gracious. I loved meeting members of her family and friends at her church when I learned to help assemble sarma for the Armenian picnic. Her positive outlook is one We will strive to achieve. Rest in heavenly peace dear Var.