Karine passed away on September 8, 2026. She is survived by her husband, Ramon Vasquez; sister, Sherry Sarkisian Babanian; nephew, Grigor Backchadjian, and niece, Gayane Mouradian.
At age 7, Karine began taking violin lessons. She decided to become a professional violinist. Her sister, Sherry, was a concert pianist. Karine was following in her sister's footsteps. Her dream was to become a professional violinist. The family moved to Yerevan in 1972 to give the girls a chance at the highest music education at the state conservatory of Armenia. Karine succeeded and graduated from the conservatory in 1982 with a Master's Degree in Arts of Music. She began playing in the Symphonic Orchestra of Armenia while teaching violin at music schools. She was very talented and produced numerous students. Karine's students went on to compete in several competitions.
Karine's father, Pogos Sarkisian and mother, Zarui Tatoulian Sarkisian, emigrated to Armenia from Syria in 1946 with a dream to raise their two children in the motherland of Armenia and start a new life. Karine's bother, Eznik, passed away in 1955 at the age of 13.
Karine's father, Pogos Sarkisian, passed away in 1987 in Armenia.
Karine moved to Los Angeles with her mother and sister in January of 1988. She had encouraged her to get a new profession and work as a developer at City of Hope. Karine was employed there for 30 years. By nature, and by heart, Karine was a musician. Karine began to give private violin and piano lessons. She showed and taught students to appreciate what they were learning. She produced very talented students. Her students won competitions and performed in orchestras.
At City of Hope, she met her future husband, Ramon Vasquez. After 3 months, they married on April 17, 1992. They built a very successful life together: happy with dogs and a bird, a cockatoo. They had a fantastic life; traveled a lot - mostly to European countries - and in 2000, they visited Israel and renewed their marriage vows in Jerusalem in the St. Jacob Armenian Church.
In 2003, Karine lost her eldest sister, Silva Backhadjian, and mother, Zarui Sarkisian.
In 2022, per Karine's decision, the family moved to Florida to have a more quiet, semi-retired life. Shortly after moving to Melbourne, they opened a dogs and cats resort in Kissimmee. Just recently, Karine's health was becoming bothersome. The doctor's said that it was nothing to worry about; everything was curable... but the end was not permissible. She is in a better place - God bless her soul.
Karine lived a life filled with love, family, and friendship. She will be known for her kindness and generosity.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
