Shake Agasarkisian

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Shake Aga-Sarkisian, which happened on March 17, 2016, in Atlanta, GA at the age of 79.

She was born December 28, 1936, in Damascus, Syria to Gevork and Mari Balian. Shake had two brothers, Mkertich and Haykaram. Her parents were Armenian Genocide survivors who instilled in her an unrelenting work ethic and a strong drive to support and protect her family at all costs.

In 1946, she and her family immigrated to Armenia in order to help their homeland gain republic status in the USSR. In 1953, Shake married Arakel, and they had three children, Vardoui, Aroutioun, and Sarkis.

In 1978, Shake and her family left to the United States. Though a tragedy had left Shake unable to walk, she raised each of her grandchildren in her hands and taught them the importance of active participation in the church and in the efforts being carried out in the Diaspora in pursuit of the Armenian cause.

Two weeks before her death, the realization of her teachings continued to bear fruit as the Georgia State House had adopted legislation recognizing the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic as a free, independent, and sovereign democracy. This resolution was passed because of the efforts of her children, and knowing this, she was filled with joy.

She was a mother to all, and her soul and her heart will continue to live in each and every life she touched. Shake Aga-Sarkisian is and will continue to be loved and remembered by her family.