Valentine Anne Nemetz

Born on July 19, 1927, Valentine was the daughter of Hagop “Jack” and Rose Bozian, survivors of the Armenian Genocide. She grew up in South Orange, N.J., with her sisters Arax Noel, Gladys Maisano and Karen Boyajian and her brother Thomas Bozian. She graduated from Upsala College with a B.A. in English literature at a time when a college education was less common for women of her generation. She taught at local public schools until she had children.

In 1951, she married the love of her life, Victor Franklin Nemetz (1921-2007), in Irvington, N.J., at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, of which her parents were founding members in 1926, by V. Rev. Fr. Shnork Kaloustian. They built homes in Sewaren in 1953 and East Hanover in 1958. Victor continued his Air Force military service in the reserves, and his colleagues were a significant part of their social group for years. Together, they raised three daughters and shared 56 years of marriage until Victor's passing in 2007.

A true bon vivant, Valentine embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. She loved movies, music, celebrations, and the company of family and friends. A self-taught pianist and avid reader, she enjoyed everything from historical biographies and novels to crosswords to Jeopardy! and music spanning Armenian chorals, Rudy Vallée, Leonard Cohen and ABBA. Even as her eyesight declined and reading became difficult, she never lost her desire to discover something new.

Valentine maintained a lifelong connection to her Armenian heritage and the St. Mary community. Over the decades, Valentine participated in the church choir, Young People's Association and Women's Guild, forming friendships that lasted throughout her life.

Her curiosity and zest for life remained with her to the end, bringing joy to those around her. She enjoyed sharing meals with other residents at her senior living facility, who came to enjoy Valentine's impromptu piano playing in the lounge. And she discovered heretofore unknown talents including watercoloring.

Predeceased by her parents, her sisters and her husband, she is survived by her brother Thomas; her daughters Carol Anne Nemetz (Steve Krommenhoek) of Annandale, N.J.; Cynthia Rose Fletcher (Robert Fletcher) of Rockaway, N.J.; and Christine Arax (Kelly Kochendorfer) of New York City; grandchildren Caitlin Fletcher (Lys Fletcher), Teigan McCoach (Ryan McCoach), Bevin Denman (Brian Denman), Noel Krommenhoek (Victor Bozadjian) and Christian Krommenhoek (Brandon Bundt); great-grandchildren Fletcher Edward, Kane Robert, Colt Michael, Hasmig Anne and Madison Valentine; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 145 East Mount Pleasant Ave., Livingston, N.J.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, 200 West Mount Pleasant Ave., Livingston 07039. Interment will follow at Restland Memorial Park, 77 Deforest Ave., East Hanover 07936, after the service.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church Endowment.