Kohar “Julia” Mary Khorigian was born on February 7, 1929 to parents Hovanes and Surpuhi Khoararian in Chicago, Illinois. She passed away on May 4, 2021 in Encino, California. Private funeral services will be held on May 17th at Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family is suggesting the following organizations:
One Generation
18255 Victory Boulevard
Reseda, CA 91335
Attn: Sue Sexton
Or online tribute donations: http://www.onegeneration.org/donate/
Western Diocese Armenian Church, Camp Board
ILOF for Julie Khorigian
20555 Devonshire Street, #371
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Attn: Camp Board Treasurer
Though her parents gave her the name Kohar, which means Jewel, she was not happy with the Armenian name and when she was about 8 years old her parents agreed to call her Julia, a loose interpretation of Kohar, and even had it changed officially. She left Chicago when she was a young teenager but in her last years she spoke fondly of Chicago landmarks like Riverview Park. Born of immigrant parents who survived the Armenian Genocide and born into a major depression, Julia was shaped by examples of hard work, a simple life, and family values.
Her family relocated to Dinuba, California for a short time in 1945 then settled in Los Angeles where they enjoyed extended family and friends through the large Armenian community already thriving there. Julia became active at St. James Armenian Church participating in the choir, St. James Juniors, and later St. James Mr. and Mrs. group. She attended Dorsey High School in Los Angeles.
Julia married Vahan Khorigian in 1950. and worked for Pacific Bell until they relocated to the San Fernando Valley in 1951. Julia was an involved member of the community over the years with St. Peter’s Armenian Apostolic Church, Hai Benefit Circle and Reseda Youth Band. Julia is survived by her daughters Janice Khorigian, Laurie Grosso, Gina Khorigian and granddaughter Sophia Grosso.
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