Arsinoe S. Baron

Arsinoe Simon Baron, known affectionately as Noe, passed away peacefully in Springfield, MO, surrounded by family and dear friends. She was born in Orestias, Greece, to Haiganoush and Dicran Simon, MD [Minasian], who survived the Armenian Genocide.

She was one of a few women at the time to attend the University of Athens, where she studied medicine and continued her studies at St. Joseph’s College in Hartford, CT. In 1948, she met and married Bart Baron [Baronian] of San Diego, where they made their home for 55 years. Her husband was also a survivor of the Armenian Genocide and preceded her in death in 2003.

Family and community service enriched Arsinoe's life. She and Bart led the San Diego Armenian Community at many levels. She was devoted to promoting awareness and advancement of the Armenian people and culture. Her major focus and devotion was the Armenian General Benevolent Union. For several decades, Arsinoe chaired the local chapter, raising charitable funds and organizing educational events. With her husband, the genesis of the Armenian Apostolic Church of San Diego started in their home under the guidance of Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian. For many years, Arsinoe and Bart sponsored visiting priests and services until a physical church was established. The San Diego Armenian community grew and flourished in San Diego; the Armenian Church now enjoys a beautiful campus in Del Mar, CA, the St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church.

Above all, Arsinoe was devoted to her children and their education. She was a loving grandmother and great-grandmother. In her later years, her growing family provided her with the greatest pride and joy.

Arsinoe is survived by her sons, Dicran Baron, MD (Leda Kalfa), and Keesag Baron, MD (Rita), and daughter, Christine Baron (Thomas Porter). Her grandchildren, Spencer, Ross, and Chase Porter, Zomor and Zabelle Baron, will miss her keen sense of observation and lively sense of humor. Her great-grandchildren, Caroline, Iker, Julia, Romilly and William Porter, will miss her playful demeanor and insightful tutelage. Her dolma, shish kebab, pilaf, and hand-made spanikopita, each fine layer of filo dough precisely placed, are family traditions that will never be lost.

She was predeceased by her brother, Der Hayr Arsham Minasian of Athens, Greece, and sister, Ermina Ashjian of Fresno.

The family suggests donations to the Armenian General Benevolent Union https://agbu.org/donate, or St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church https://stsarkischurchsd.com/donate/, Del Mar, 13925 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130.

Services will be in San Diego, California.