Obituary of Mary Sheshedian

It is with great sadness that the Pastor and Board of Trustees announce the passing of Mary Sheshedian, a faithful and devoted lifelong parishioner of St. Illuminator's Cathedral. In her later years, Mary also became a member of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, and she was beloved by members of both church communities. Mary was born on July 26, 1927, to Zarouhie and Sahag Kidishian. She grew up with her brother Charles (who passed away at a young age) in Sunnyside, Queens. She became an active member of the St. Illuminator's Choir and AYF, and it is there that she met her future husband, Samuel Sheshedian. They were married in 1951 and continued to be active participants in church life. Mary served as chairlady of the Ladies Auxiliary, Mr. and Mrs. Club, and volunteered wherever her services were needed. She received the St. Illuminator's Weekly Newsletter, and was thrilled to keep up with current church activities. Mary was an excellent baker, and her delicious choregs were always sell-outs at church and at functions such as the annual December Hantes and the Blessing of the Grapes picnic every August. She was accomplished at crocheting blankets and scarves, and for many years donated her handmade work to members of the U.S. military. She loved to read, and to listen to Armenian music. Together with her husband, Mary loved to travel and visited many countries. The couple generously hosted people at their home, including relatives and clergy from abroad. Mary had a warm and outgoing personality, and always welcomed everyone with a loving smile. She was compassionate and kind and made even new acquaintances feel as though they were her life-long friends. She was attentive to her family's needs and was always supportive and ready to listen. Her life was characterized by deep faith, as evidenced by the numerous angel statues she possessed and her belief that angels were always watching over her. Mary will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, aunt and godmother. Mary's husband, Sam, passed away in 2005. She is survived by loving relatives and friends. The funeral service will be held on March 7, 2024 at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Douglaston, Queens at 10 a.m. His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, will preside. The interment service will take place at Cedar Grove Cemetery, 130-04 Horace Harding Expressway in Flushing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church or St. Illuminator's Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in her memory.