Lita Nersesian

Lita Nersesian (nee Bedrosian), 89, of Naples, FL passed into eternal rest on February 28, 2025 at home surrounded by her loving family. Lita was born in 1935 in New York City, New York, to the late Nersess and Ardemis (Vosganian) Bedrosian who came to the United States in refuge from the Armenian Genocide. She created a beautiful life with her husband of 68 years, Ara (d. 2022) and is survived by her children John Nersesian of Naples, FL, Ronald (Maria) Nersesian of Santa Rosa, CA, and Lisa (Sean) Richardson of Shaker Heights, OH. Lita was predeceased by her sisters Christine Najarian, Sonia Topalian, Dorothy Misserlian, and Alice Kalustyan. She adored her seven grandchildren Matthew (Marie), Daniel, Sonia, John, Lena (Christopher), Margaux, and Christopher, and great-grandchildren Elio and Luca. She loved as close family her many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

Lita’s life was centered around family and in joyfully serving the Armenian Apostolic Church with a deep faith and love for God. Her parents were founding benefactors of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in Manhattan. She met her Ara at an Armenian dance in NYC and together they raised their three children in the tight-knit parish of St. Mary's Armenian Church of Livingston NJ. She embraced many roles in the church, including Sunday School teacher, active Women’s Guild and Central Council member, and participant in many committees. She was the creator of the college outreach program My Kinsmen, with the passion to keep students connected to the Armenian church communities when away from home. She and Ara had deep gratitude and admiration for the devoted clergy and cherished times spent with them including special trips to Armenia and Jerusalem. Lita was always passionate about sharing her faith with others, often gifting to others spiritual books, bibles, crosses and pictures of Christ. She partook in many lectures and programs to deepen her faith, and was grateful for the serenity provided by the deep friendships and fellowship in 12 step programs.

Lita embraced many other creative roles in her life with great enthusiasm and joy. She was honored for her poetry reading in high school, and shared her drama flair as a lead actress while attending Adelphi University. Music was always a part of her life; she was a beautiful piano player and created and recorded the musical piece Echos of Lake Sevan. Lita promoter of everything she believed, which led her to a successful career as a realtor. There wasn’t any challenge or creative idea she didn’t hesitate to take on, even sharing love for backgammon by designing and teaching a continuing education course. Always an artist, Lita’s projects included a Hayr Mer Lord’s Prayer Artwork, ceramic “Eh” ornaments, and cross-embossed linens. Together with Ara, she created an elegant home filled with gracious hospitality, fine dining and beautiful music. They loved to travel abroad on special work trips with appreciation for many cultures. As a devoted and proud mother, Lita went to great lengths to continuously encourage her children and grandchildren’s education and accomplishments. Her generosity overflowed from her heart in meaningful and faith-filled conversations, her time, and thoughtful and lavish gifts. She never hesitated to share her gratitude for things big or small, whether in-person, with a beautifully composed letter, or (very long) voice message. Her heart was full.

A visitation for Lita will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 9:00 AM at St Paul's Episcopal Church, 3901 Davis Blvd, Naples, FL 34104. A funeral service will occur Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM, 3901 Davis Blvd, Naples, FL 34104. A graveside service will occur Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 11:30 AM at Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Ave N, Naples, FL 34108. FOR THOSE WISHING TO SEND FLORAL GIFTS FOR THE SERVICE THEY MAY BE SENT TO HODGES FUNERAL HOME, 525 111th AVE N, NAPLES, FL FOR FRIDAY DELIVERY.

To view the live stream of the funeral service please click this link: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaulsnaples6762/streams

For those wishing to do so, donations in lieu of flowers can be made in memory of Lita to St. Mary Armenian Church Endowment Fund, 200 W. Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, NJ 07039.