Ida Aslanyan Obituary

Ida AslanyanApril 19, 1939 - May 5, 2023Ida Aslanyan was born in Yerevan, Armenia, on April 19, 1939, and passed away in Boston, on Friday, May 5, 2023, at the age of 84. She is survived by her two daughters, Susanna Khachatrian and Lusine Hanson; her son-in-law, Russell Hanson; and many other family members and friends. She was the beloved wife of the late Elmir Khachatryan, who passed away in 2018. Ida was also preceded in death by her parents, Artashes and Shoushan Aslanyan; and her sister, Evgenia Aslanyan. Ida Aslanyan came from a highly educated family. Her father, Artashes Aslanyan, served as an officer in Russian tzar's army during WWI. After the revolution, he worked as CFO of a large manufacturer of ceramic products in Armenia. Her mother, Shoushan, was one of the creators of the National herbarium of Armenia. While working at Armenia's Botanical garden, she trained a generation of young scientists pursuing doctoral degree in biology. Ida's paternal grandfather was a highly educated person and a second guild merchant, who owned a number of retail stores in Turkey and traded with Jerusalem. Her paternal side of the family also included a prominent leader of Soviet aviation, and a distinguished scientist whose inventions (radiological equipment, advanced technologies) were acknowledged internationally. Born in Yerevan, Armenia, Ida Aslanyan studied at Yerevan State Medical Institute. After earning her medical degree, she worked as Radiation Oncologist at the National Center of Oncology, saving or prolonging many patients' lives. She was recognized by her colleagues and patients for her expertise and care, and was ranked by the Ministry of Health as the "highest category specialist. " Following her footsteps, one of her daughters became a doctor, as well. Within her extended family, Ida was referred to as a role model for her unconditional love and the exceptional care she provided for her parents. When her husband was suffering from health problems, she was always next to him providing much needed care. Ida and her husband Elmir immigrated to the US in 2008. Prior to her move to the US, Ida developed a number of serious health conditions, and became wheelchair-bound after suffering a stroke. Despite many health challenges, she was able to adjust to her new life in the US and lived semi-independently, with the assistance of family and caregivers. She enjoyed great friendships at an adult day care center where she had been known and loved for her kindness, exceptional warmth, and decency. At home, caregivers became part of her family as she genuinely cared for them. They loved her sense of humor and kindness. Since January 8, 2023, Ida had multiple hospitalizations, and experienced a gradual worsening of health status that lead to her death. She is fondly remembered and greatly missed by her family, friends, and caregivers. Her funeral service will be held at St. James Armenian Church, located at 465 Mt Auburn St. , in Watertown, MA, on Thursday, May 11, at 12:00pm. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend. A visitation period will be held at the church sanctuary on Tuesday morning, from 11:00am to 12:00pm, immediately prior to the service. Interment will follow at Ridgelawn cemetery in Watertown. Family and friends are also invited to a memorial luncheon at the Armenian American Social Club (76 Bigelow Ave. , Watertown, MA 02472; tel. 617 924 9678), at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to the St. James church. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Ida Aslanyan, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.