Marian Y Papazian

Marian Y. Papazian of Belmont Massachusetts and Upland California passed away peacefully on October 28, 2023. Marian is predeceased by her loving husband Clement E. Papazian and her son Clement E. Papazian Jr. She is survived by her daughter Michelle Papazian, and granddaughter Mia Papazian.

Marian grew up in Watertown MA, and attended the John Robert Powers Modeling School, Perry Normal School for Education, and Boston University, where she met her husband. Following Clem Sr.’s graduation from medical school, the couple relocated to Southern California where they raised their family.

Marian was known for her creativity and unique character.  She had a whimsical side which was evident in her colorful stories and many collections. She enjoyed entertaining friends at social gatherings and in recent years could often be found “holding court” at the local Senior Center, singing and playing the piano for her fellow Octogenarians. She was known for her many interesting hats and unusual ensembles.

Marian was an animal lover, welcoming many a furry friend into her family over the years. This included the first pet in her marriage, a mischievous poodle “Shoo Shoo,”  “Raj” a very vocal Siamese boy, “Gypsy Rose Lee” a petite Siamese sweetie, “Captain Rugby” an unpredictable Old English Sheepdog, a white shaggy rescue pup named “Rags" and an inquisitive tortoise that answered to “Mr. Onassis.” Marian allowed her children to indulge their pet preferences as well, which included a number of iguanas, chameleons, salamanders, gerbils, fish, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits.

While Marian was not of the Jewish faith, she became a life member of Hadassah soon after moving to Southern California, feeling a special cultural kinship with her Jewish community.

Marian loved the ocean and eventually purchased a summer home on Cape Cod. This was a place Marian could truly relax while lounging on the porch taking in the sea breeze and salt air. She was an avid connoisseur of fried clams – but only the ones with bellies!

Marian’s love and yearning for the East Coast remained with her throughout her life in California. She and her husband returned to the East Coast (Belmont MA) following his retirement, where they spent much of their time when not in California or on the Cape. 

Marian had a quick mind, lively spirit, and many interests. She loved antiquing and scouting out local flea markets for vintage finds. She delighted in filling her homes with these treasures and was always on the lookout for the next procurement!

 Marian was a talented creative writer, and was often sought out for these skills when a eulogy or retirement speech was needed by friends and family. She was known for delivering many compelling and entertaining monologues at multiple occasions throughout her life.

Marian attracted a diverse range of friends with her charm and engaging personality. She had strong opinions and was never at a loss for words. She was fiercely independent, living alone in her own home until age 86.

Marian was truly a unique and charismatic soul who remains unforgettable and loved by many.        

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday November 13, 2023 at the Belmont Watertown Methodist Church 421 Common St Belmont, with burial to follow at the Newton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marian’s memory may be made to the Dr. Clement E. Papazian and Marian Y. Papazian Scholarship Fund at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston 02118

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