Dickie Boyajian of Roseland NJ & Pompano Beach, FL

8/15/1927 – 10/25/2007

Edited by Fr. Shnork Souin

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“Dickie” Dikranouhi Dorothy Boyajian was born on August 15, 1927 in Newark, New Jersey.

She was one of 3 sisters. Her two sisters are Lucy Dabagian and Arax Barmakian who pre-deceased her in 2001. Her mother was Shoushan Barmakian and father was Khoren Barmakian. Her parents were very dedicated people to the Armenian cause. They were active in the Armenian Church, Armenian School and the AGBU. Because of this strong Armenian background the Armenian heritage was instilled in her.

At St. Mary’s she has been a devoted church worker and leader. She is a graduate of the Araratian Armenian School of St. Mary and started singing in the church choir at a very early age and continuously throughout her life for over 65 years. As a member of the choir, she many times took over the leadership and played the organ, due to occasional absence of choir leaders or organists. She was a Sunday school teacher for 9 years and served as Superintendent of the St. Mary Araratian Armenian School. While on the Women’s Guild she has served as Chairman, Vice-chairman, Secretary and advisor. She served as Chairman of Young Peoples Auxiliary (YPA) and was very honored to become the first woman to serve on Parish Council of St. Mary Armenian Church where she was treasurer for many years.

She was a member of the Building Committee of St. Mary Armenian Church. She served as chairman of the Women’s Guild Sts. Day luncheon and program held at the cathedral and in her own parish.

She has chaired or served on committees of many dinners and affairs at St. Mary including chairing the Hayr Houssig Anniversary Dinner held at the Friar Tuck Restaurant, as well as chairing the YPA Fashion Show and Yearbook committee on many occasions.

In her diocesan affiliation, she has worked as a committee member on the Pro-musica and Arts Committee; Pacesetters Raffle Committee; Diocese Bazaar Committee; a committee member for the Consecration of St. Vartan Cathedral and also on the committee for the “Tribute to Lili Chookasian,” as well as serving as a Committee member for the Pontifical Visit of His Holiness the late Vazken I, Catholicos of all Armenians as well as the Mortgage Burning Committee of the Diocese of the Armenian Church.

Her outside interests were also many and enjoyed being an integral part of her community. She was a member of the Daughters of Vartan. She was the past president of the PTA at George Inness Jr. High School. Dickie cherished her years serving as Girl Scout leader for many years

She was a member of Forest Hill Field Club of Bloomfield NJ for many years and of Palm Acre C.C. of Pompano Beach, FL, where she made many lifelong friends and enjoyed the friendly competition.

Dickie married Martin Boyajian in 1948. She was the proud mother of 2 daughters, Linda Patruno and Sandra Burke. She had 4 grandchildren; Pamela Tossounian (married to Anto), Gregg Patruno (married to Stephanie), Kevin and Kerri Burke. She was also blessed with 2 Great Grandchildren, Ani Arax and Sophia Patruno.

Dickie has been a very dedicated member of St. Mary Armenian Church and a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother to her whole family. She will be missed by her family both at Home and at Church. God rest the soul of his servant Dickie Boyajian.