BASMAJIAN, Shakeh Basmajian - Sadly passed away on April 13, 2024 after a lengthy stay in hospital.
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, on June 2, 1931, she was a child of first-generation survivors of the Armenian Genocide of 1915.
Immigrating with her family to Toronto in 1958, they joined the small growing Armenian community and became influential members.
She was also a proud Canadian and loved her adopted country.
She was a devoted wife to her husband, Kamer, who passed away in 1985; and a caring sister to her brother, Harry Artinian, who passed away in 2010.
She was a loving and proud mother of her children: Isabelle, Knar, Shant (deceased January 1990) and Silva; and her grandchildren: Shant Hannivan (Pamela Bautista-Hou), Keegan Wharram and Kealy Wharram (Michael Pace).
She dedicated her life to them and always put their needs above herself. Shakeh was immensely proud of her Armenian heritage. She contributed generously to humanitarian causes and charities close to her heart.
An avid reader, and follower of current affairs and financial news, Shakeh intelligently engaged in discussions of these topics.
She was a world traveller, having spoken five languages fluently.
She was known for her sense of humour and as a social hostess, throwing legendary dinner parties.
The Funeral Service will take place on Monday, April 22, 2024, at Holy Trinity Armenian Church, at 10:30 a.m. Shakeh was an honourable woman who will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Donations in memory of Shakeh Basmajian can be made to: Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) – Humanitarian Fund at: agbu.org/Toronto-donate or Holy Trinity Armenian Church – Renovation Fund at:
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