Elaine Armine (Garoyan) Kasparian

Kasparian, Elaine Arminé of Belmont passed away on November 13.  Born in Boston, Massachusetts on October 16, 1936, Elaine was the daughter of the late Dr. Gaspard M. Garoyan and Nevart (Avedissian) Garoyan.  She was the sister of the late Annabelle (Garoyan) Terzian and the late R. Diana (Garoyan) Monaco.  She was married to the late Dr. Frank Kasparian, and following his passing, the late Dr. Robert (Bob) Watson.  

Elaine was a proud graduate of Belmont High School (Class of 1954) and Tufts University (Class of 1958), where she majored in drama. Elaine spent much of her life advocating for the University, serving as President of the Boston Tufts Alliance and later as a member of the development team.  

Struck by the tragedy surrounding the Armenian earthquake of 1988, Elaine was single-minded in her determination to do something to help.  She worked with friends to co-found the Armenian Children’s Milk Fund, raising funds to purchase life sustaining infant formula and milk for at-risk children in Armenia.  The Fund raised several million dollars, with $750,000 in the first year alone.   

A devoted thespian, Elaine directed plays with many community theaters, including the Belmont Dramatic Club and Arlington Friends of the Drama.  Elaine also developed programs in creative dramatics for children in schools across the greater Boston area. 

Elaine treasured her family.  She was invested in the lives of her children and grandchildren and never missed one of their sporting events or concerts.  She is survived by her children (Faith Kasparian (Erik Weisman), Dr. Joy Kasparian-Federico (Richard Federico), and Christian Kasparian (Laura)) and grandchildren (Frank Kasparian Weisman, Ethan Kasparian Weisman, Richard Federico III, Christian Federico, Elsbeth Kasparian, and CJ Kasparian) as well as Bob’s children (Beth Allen (Rob), Bret Watson (Sheryl), Dr. Brad Watson (Wendy) and J.P. Watson (Caroline) and grandchildren (Chelsey Allen (Joseph Hoyt), Abbey Allen, Brock Allen, Max Watson, Lilly Watson, Charles Henry Watson, Carly Watson, Jackson Watson, Rebecca Watson, and Sarah Elizabeth Watson).

Elaine was one to always open doors and loved bringing people together.  She will be most remembered for her compassion, generosity, boundless enthusiasm, creative vision, and the dynamic force with which she celebrated life.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 21 at Plymouth Congregational Church, 582 Pleasant Street, Belmont at 11:00 a.m.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elaine’s memory to benefit students and faculty at Tufts University. Donations can be made online by utilizing the online giving form found here:  https://alumniandfriends.tufts.edu/brighterworld/guide-giving#panel-give-in-memoryin-honor . When making a gift online, in the drop down box labeled designation, please click “School of Arts Sciences and Engineering” then also click, “Other.” In the box marked “Other” write in “In Memory of Elaine Kasparian.” Checks can also be sent to the Trustees of Tufts College, Care of Robert Ayles, Senior Associate Director, Office of Development, School of Arts and Sciences, University Advancement, Tufts University, 80 George Street, Suite 300-2, Medford, MA 02155. (When sending a check, please mark in the memo section of the check – “In Honor of Elaine Kasparian.”)

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