Arpine L Tembeckjian

Tembeckjian, Arpiné Louise. A cherished mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend, she died peacefully at her Manhattan home on Dec. 18, 2016, surrounded by her adoring family. Born June 27, 1927, in Alfortville, France, to Armenian Genocide survivors, Garabed and Zora Milliyan, she was orphaned and raised by the Armenian Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. There the nuns taught her the sewing skills which, combined with her fierce intelligence and creativity, became the basis of a marvelous career as a highly sought after seamstress in New York. After emigrating to America with her brother and adoptive parents, an early life of sorrow and loss was transformed by a joyous marriage in 1950 to her beloved husband, Edward, their home becoming a center of welcome and wisdom for all who knew them. Sadly widowed in 1987, Arpiné continued that legacy of hospitality and generosity in new and deeper ways of her own. A superb cook to the very end of her life, her open table was a haven of delight and sparkling conversation. Petite in stature, expansive in personality, and fluent in three languages, she made an impact whenever she entered a room, and, of course, her clothes were always beautifully and perfectly tailored.

Arpiné is survived by her adoring children, Robert and Renée, their devoted spouses (Barbara Ross and Thomas Zino), three cherished grandchildren (James and William Zino and Sarah Tembeckjian), her loving brother, Onnik (Araksi) Dinkjian, numerous relatives and many friends. Visitation: Dec. 28, 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM, at Frank E. Campbell (1076 Madison Ave in New York). Funeral service: Dec. 29, 9:30 AM, at the Frank E. Campbell Chapel. In lieu of flowers: Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (www.soar-us.org). (Parking Garages Are GMC 8 East 83rd St. NYC, NYC Parking 1025 Fifth Garage 15 East 83rd St. NYC, Also there's Street Parking around the funeral home).