Rose M. Harutunian

She once said, "I still feel like a little girl inside, my body just got older." That little girl would lug blocks of ice in her wagon, up the hill from Market Street in Waukegan to her parent's home, just one of many stories she loved to tell about depression-era life in the small town. She has now been reunited with her departed family members, and they have all of eternity to spend together.

Rose M. Harutunian, 91, gently released her spirit in passing away Apr. 26, 2012 at her son's lakefront residence. Born in Waukegan on Oct. 20, 1920, to Manoog and Veronica Mangoian, she enjoyed telling stories of depression-era life in the small town and growing up in the tight-knit Armenian community of the south side. After attending business school, she embarked on a storied career with the U.S. Government in Washington. D.C., Great Lakes, and Waukegan as a legal secretary and chief administrative aide to various site directors. Her greatest legacy was raising three children with her late husband, Mchitar Harutunian, whom preceded her in 2006, following a 53-year marriage. What else is a Mother's love but something unconditional and tangible, which allowed for heartache before shining triumphant in the truth, and the ultimate sense of good. This virtue extended not only to her children and immediate family, but nephews and nieces, and especially grandchildren. There was love, support, and advice even if unwarranted, simply because it was there to provide, an unwavering constant. How does one describe such a remarkable person in a few paragraphs, other than to express pure jealousy that angels and departed family members get to be with her now, sharing great joy and spending eternity together. Dear, sweet woman, we miss you and love you, yet know you live, from the many memories you gave and the cord of love that always connects us.

She is survived by her sister, Adeline (Mangoian) Davis; children, Gregory Harutunian, Veronica Harutunian, and Lisa Smith; grandchildren, Jennifer Harutunian, Alyx Harutuniann, and Sgt. Christopher Bookout; great-grandchild, Emelia Bookout (Ilse); nieces and nephews, Susie Feinberg (Barry), Tina Mangoian (Al Gonzalez), Michael Mangoian; great-nieces and nephews, Melissa Feinberg, Melanie Feinberg, Timothy Friscia, Bryan Frisica; cousins, Mitchell Kenoian (Jean). She was preceded in death by her husband, Mchitar; her father, Manoog; her mother, Veronica; brothers, Karl and Hachig, and sisters, Elizabeth and Susan. A chapel and celebration service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 3, in the enclave area on the grounds of All Saints Cemetery, 3300 Springbrook Road, Pleasant Prairie WI.