Karine Sarkisian Vasquez

Karine Sarkisian Vasquez was born on November 2, 1956, in Gyumri, Armenia. She passed away on September 8, 2026.

Karine is survived by her beloved husband, Ramon Vasquez; her sister, Sherry Sarkisian Babanian; her nephew, Grigor Backchadjian; and her niece, Gayane Mouradian.

Karine’s love of music began at an early age. At just seven years old, she began taking violin lessons and soon knew that she wanted to become a professional violinist. Her sister, Sherry, was a concert pianist, and Karine followed in her footsteps, dedicating herself to a life of music.

In 1972, the family moved to Yerevan to give the girls the opportunity to receive the highest level of musical education at the State Conservatory of Armenia. Karine pursued her dream and graduated from the conservatory in 1982 with a Master’s Degree in the Arts of Music. She went on to perform with the Symphonic Orchestra of Armenia while also teaching violin at music schools. A gifted musician and dedicated teacher, Karine taught and inspired numerous students, many of whom went on to compete in musical competitions.

Karine’s parents, Pogos Sarkisian and Zarui Tatoulian Sarkisian, emigrated from Syria to Armenia in 1946 with the dream of raising their family in their Armenian motherland and beginning a new life. Karine’s brother, Eznik, passed away in 1955 at the age of 13. Her father, Pogos Sarkisian, passed away in Armenia in 1987.

In January 1988, Karine moved to Los Angeles with her mother and sister. She was encouraged to pursue a new profession and began working as a developer at City of Hope, where she would remain for 30 years.

Although she built a successful career in technology, Karine was, by nature and at heart, always a musician. She continued sharing her love of music by giving private violin and piano lessons. She did more than simply teach her students how to play; she taught them to understand and appreciate the music they were learning. She nurtured many talented young musicians, some of whom went on to win competitions and perform in orchestras.

It was at City of Hope that Karine met her future husband, Ramon Vasquez. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and just three months later, they were married on April 17, 1992.

Karine and Ramon built a wonderful life together, filled with love, happiness, travel, and their beloved animals, including their dogs and a cockatoo. They traveled extensively, particularly throughout Europe. One of their most meaningful journeys came in 2000, when they visited Israel and renewed their marriage vows in Jerusalem at St. James Armenian Cathedral.

In 2003, Karine experienced the profound losses of both her eldest sister, Silva Backhadjian, and her mother, Zarui Sarkisian.

In 2022, at Karine’s urging, the family moved to Florida in search of a quieter, semi-retired life. Shortly after settling in Melbourne, Karine and Ramon opened a dog and cat resort in Kissimmee, beginning yet another chapter of their life together.

More recently, Karine began experiencing health problems. What initially seemed manageable ultimately became far more serious than anyone had expected.

Karine lived a life filled with music, love, family, friendship, and generosity. She touched the lives of her family, friends, colleagues, and the many students she taught and inspired throughout the years. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, talent, and the love she shared so freely with those around her.

May God bless her soul, and may she rest in eternal peace.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Karine’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.