Mary Arslanian
January 10, 1942 ~ April 16, 2024
Born in:
Cairo, Egypt
Resided in:
Smithtown, New York
Mary (Baghdassarian) Arslanian passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 16, 2024 with her loving children, Arda and John, at her side.
Mary was born in Cairo, Egypt on January 10, 1942. In addition to her children, she is survived by her grandchildren Katie, John and Kevin Costello, her son-in-law Timothy Costello and her brother Ghazar Baghdassarian (and sister-in-law Annie Baghdassarian).
Mary was married to Edward Arslanian for 60 years until Edward passed away almost exactly 2 years ago. They lived in Beirut, Lebanon during the first few years of their marriage and then immigrated to the United States in 1969, settling down on Long Island and becoming proud U.S. citizens.
As an educator, Mary impacted many young people’s lives, whether as a French teacher at William Floyd High School or as an Armenian teacher at St. Sarkis Church. Many of her former students still keep in touch with “Mrs. A” as they affectionately called her.
Mary always went out of her way to help people—she was truly an incredibly generous person even when her health was declining. She received great joy in attending church, playing mahjong with her friends and of course, spending time with her beloved grandchildren who adored their grandmother. Whether participating in the MS Walks in Washington DC, coloring Easter eggs or simply watching a movie together, nothing made Mary happier than to be with them.
She will be missed by all. May God Bless Her Soul.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, Douglaston, NY https://onrealm.org/StSarkisArmenia/-/form/give/now
Services
Service: April 19, 2024 10:00 am - 11:00 am
St Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church of Long Island
38-65 234th Street
Little Neck, NY 11363
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Mary Arslanian 's name.
St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church of Long Island
3865 234th St
Douglaston,
NY
Memories Timeline
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Mary not only introduced her students to a more cosmopolitan view of the world but also her fellow teachers and probably most anyone else who had the pleasure and joy of knowing her. Thanks to Mary I got to meet French students here and assisted in giving them guided tours of New York City. Thru these tours she introduced to what is now my favorite French restaurant in Manhattan(Le Bonne Soupe) on west 55th St. Mary was well appreciated by her professional colleagues and was particularly hospitable in having staff members to her home. Mary was rightly proud of her Armenian heritage and often demonstrated that thru her culinary talents.
She was a unique individual, teacher, mentor, etc. and will be missed.
You will be missed and may you and your family know how much of a legacy you left behind. ❤️
Mrs. A. An amazing French teacher (class of 1985-William Floyd) I remember after coming back from France as an exchange student for a month. She chastised me that I had learned too much “slang” French. Sending light, love and peace to those she left behind.
Condolences to the Arslanian family 💔
Firstly, my deepest condolences to Arda and John and their children.
Madame Arslanian was my French teacher. Although I wasn’t her best student (that would be me older sister!), she always was kind & encouraging to me. She not only taught the French language, but also taught us about the culture & about life and how important it is to appreciate culture & history.
She was, simply put, a remarkable woman. I am grateful to have had the privilege to know her.
Memory Eternal.
My Condolences to her family
Repose En Paix Madame
Mrs. A. What an amazing person. So many wonderful memories. Going to France for the first time with Mrs. A, who also brought her Arda. Having wine and cheese in class. My sister, Susan and I are forever grateful!
Mrs. A was my French teacher at William Floyd and quite literally, my favorite. She helped so many of us see life beyond our small town and inspired us to dream bigger than we knew we could. I have so many wonderful memories of her kindness, sense of humor, and enthusiasm for teaching. Every student should feel as loved as we all did because we had the good fortune to have Mrs. A as our teacher and friend. My deepest condolences to her family.
Mary, I was often thinking of you. I cannot forget a grande dame like you. Your kindness and generosity touched me deeply. I remember coming to your house and when you gave me tons of material for my classes.
With my deepest sympathy to your family.