In loving memory of Arpine S.Kachikian, beloved wife of the late Ohan Kachikian, survived by sons Varoojan (Neva) and Raffi Kachikian, granddaughters Jennifer Kachikian (Christopher Hoppe) and Angelica Kachikian, great-grandchildren Gabriella, Joshua, and Aubrey Hernandez, brother Manoug (Sheryl) Sarkissian from Florida, sisters Shoushan and Areknazan Sarkissian from Lebanon, nephews in California, Arsen Kachikova & family from Russia, the late Dzadur Kachikova and his surviving family from Russia, preceded in death by father Garabed and mother Arshaluys Sarkissian, brother and sister Sarkis and Mary Sarkissian.
Arpine was dedicated to the Armenian All Saints Apostolic Church in Glenview, IL where she served for many years. She initially sang in the choir followed by being the conductor of that choir, served on the Ladies Guild, and taught the Armenian language to her students in the school. Arpine loved cooking in their kitchen serving many patrons after Sunday Mass or picnics. She welcomed in her home 2 survivors of the Armenian earthquake in 1988 and served them a home-cooked Armenian meal.
Arpine, hereafter referred to Mom, received her Master’s Degree in Music Education at Northeastern Illinois University and wrote a thesis & published it about Armenian history which had a special place in her heart. One of Mom’s main goals in her lifetime was to always visit Armenia but her opportunity slipped away. She won’t be visiting Armenia flying in an airplane any time soon but she’ll be flying the skies on a different plane, a spiritual plane.
Another goal Mom pursued was creating a cookbook for diabetics but never got a chance to finish it and seek publication. Mom was proud to continue teaching the Armenian language at Northeastern Illinois University and periodically made costumes for plays or operas that were performed there.
Mom was knowledgeable in 4 different languages. One of her crowning achievements was designing a wedding dress for the prime minister’s wife of Lebanon. One of Mom’s many talents was making handmade dolls fitted with Armenian dance costumes, one of which happened to fall in the playful hands of a young girl named Amy Carter, daughter of former president Jimmy Carter! One of her other talents was singing in which her last public performance was singing from her soul at her granddaughter Jennifer’s wedding.
Mom was a masterfully skilled: pianist (she also taught piano), singer, seamstress, knitter, crocheter, artist, doll maker, gardener, and cook. Mom’s specialty was cooking with love Armenian & Middle Eastern Cuisine from kabobs, cakes, and pastries such as baklava and boreg (made of thin, flaky dough stuffed with either meat or cheese). I guess the American name for this is called a Hot Pocket. Everyone’s eyes would light up every time she prepared these tasty foods with such delight.
In between reading, writing, knitting, cooking, and rearing 2 wild and crazy kids, Mom somehow found time decompressing by watching her favorite television comedies such as Hazel and All in the Family, her favorite cooking show The French Chef, and her favorite police show Columbo and Mannix.
We’re all so blessed by God to have had you for our Mother. Thank you Mom for all your love and dedication but it’s time that you go rest up high with Our Father, Son & Holy Spirit into his arms you must return. Rest in Peace Mom you will be missed but never forgotten. Say “parev” which means hello to our Dad. We miss you already.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family or church preferred.
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