Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, devoted philanthropist, and honorable educator Zvart Vartanian-Simonian was born in 1941 in Mosul-Iraq. The daughter of Araksi and Kegham Vartanian, who was a well-known Armenian Community leader, and educator. And the wife of Karekin Simonian, a well-known and respected International and Olympic Referee in Bodybuilding and weightlifting.
Zvart received her early education at the Armenian School in Basra and continued her secondary education at the Basra state school. In early 1960’s she returned to the Armenian School but this time as a certified teacher specialized in teaching subjects in science. During her tenure she garnered the respect and appreciation of her students, their parents, and the school administration. She went on to teach and inspire generations of students who ended up achieving higher education, occupy important positions and greatly contribute to society, some of them are here today with us in the church.
Zvart inherited her father’s profession as a teacher and his patriotism which she was able to transfer to her children, Dr. Margaret, Antranik and Sarkis Simonian who has been the chair of ANCA Burbank since 2019… all three went on to achieve higher education and recognition in their respective field of profession.
Zvart was an active member and supporter of various Armenian community organizations in Iraq, Armenia and America, such as the Armenian church in Basra, the Armenian Relief Society HOM, the Vaspouragan Society in Los Angeles, the Red Cross and the Ladies Guild of Armenian Apostolic Church in Iraq and Armenia.
She was also the Vice President of the Ladies Guild of Saint Sarkis Church in Armenia for 5 years.
She married Karekin Simonian in Baghdad in 1967, who in his own regard was also a great patriot and a proud member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, the Vaspouragan Society and various organizations. He was also granted multiple international Gold medals, including one for establishing the weightlifting and bodybuilding club in Armenian in 2000.
Zvart was known for kind heartedness, caring personality, respect towards everyone regardless of age or relation… Although she is not physically with us today, her memory will live in the minds and hearts of every person that had the privilege of knowing her.
Zvart peacefully passed away on October 5th, 2023, leaving behind three adult children and two grandchildren, Leo and Henry Simonian. Her Funeral services was held on Oct 21st, and was attended by her family, friends, students, and organizations leaders who paid tribute to her, by praising speeches on her contribution to society and charitable organizations. Her students also paid tribute by reading a poetry and handing red roses to attendees.
May God bless her Soul.