Verjin Sahakian

Verjin Sahakian, age 94, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, in her home in Bethesda, Maryland, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on July 15, 1931, in Istanbul, Turkey, the youngest child of Garbis and Soghmig Tikiryan.

In 1956, Verjin married the love of her life, Dr. Ohannes Sahakian. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, family, and devotion. Their journey took them from Turkey to Washington, DC, including two years in Ottawa, Canada in the early 1960s, before they ultimately settled in Potomac, Maryland to build a better life for themselves and their family. Verjin and Ohannes shared a deep love of travel and cherished many summers spent in their Ocean City home. In later years, they retired to their home in Naples, Florida, while Ohannes continued to serve his patients through his internal medicine practice.

Verjin was known for her grace, resilience and creativity. A gifted hostess with a keen eye for fashion, she welcomed others with elegance and generosity. She was an exceptional cook and poured love into everything she made. Deeply committed to her church and community, Verjin spent many years volunteering while raising her family with care and dedication. She also ran a small jewelry business and became a master costume jewelry designer, creating hundreds of beautiful pieces. An accomplished knitter, she used her talents to raise significant funds in support of her church.

A woman of strength, Verjin loved walking and remained active well into her later years. Above all else, she adored her four grandchildren, who were the true pride and joy of her life.

Verjin was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ohannes, and her brother, Nishan. She is survived by her loving sons Ara (Diane), Michael (Catherine), and John, and her cherished grandchildren Daniel, Lily, Elaina, and David. The family feels deeply grateful that they were able to live close by and share so many meaningful moments with her throughout the years.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Montgomery County Hospice and Verjin’s devoted caregivers for their compassionate and attentive care during the final years and months of her life.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 at St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church, 4125 Fessenden Street NW, Washington, DC 20016. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Burial will immediately follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland. A celebration of life luncheon will be held at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church community hall after the burial. In lieu of flowers, donations in Verjin’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church or to the Children of Armenia Sponsorship Program (CASP), managed by the Fund for Armenian Relief (630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016, or via farusa.org).