Virginia H. Ananian

Virginia gracefully transitioned to the profoundly loving world of eternal life while being held in the arms of her cherished daughter. While her functional and cognitive capabilities declined significantly during the past few years, her capacity to love grew stronger every day. And wonderfully, she retained the sparkle in her eyes.

She was born in Newburyport on July 31st, 1925, the only child of Sam and Lillian Perkins Dow. She was deeply proud to have been a Newburyport native and lifelong resident, a 1944 graduate of Newburyport High School and a high school baton leader. She and her late husband Kourken married on Veterans Day, 1954 in the Central Congregational Church of Newburyport. Their marriage was preceded by a loving courtship and followed by years of caring and support.

Virginia delighted in her various roles including working side by side with her husband at the Newburyport Housing Authority, and positions she held in both the Hytron quality department and as a saleswoman in the Towle Silversmith’s showroom. Yet her most meaningful and heartfelt accomplishment was her only child and daughter she and her husband nurtured, of whom she was extremely proud.

She was shaped by her lifelong Newburyport residency as it was the city in which she experienced local, national and international events including the great depression and World War 2, both of which helped foster her tremendous strength and resilience. Her purchase of government issued savings bonds represented her commitment to World War 2 military personnel, including her Newburyport High School classmates who served, and, for some, who perished during their military duty. Virginia was generous, kind and thoughtful. She watched over her neighborhood, assuring its safety. She phoned friends daily, provided transportation to those in need and always remembered a friend or neighbor’s birthday.

She was predeceased by those with whom she had deeply loving relationships including her parents Sam and Lillian Perkins Dow, her husband Kourken Ananian and brothers and sisters-in-law. She is survived by nieces and a nephew. Her memory will be deeply cherished by her daughter Dr. Lillian Ananian, RN, PhD, MSN.

The family is extremely grateful for the companionship and friendship provided by both Jane Doyle and Marie Auguste. Additionally, they would like to thank the Council on Aging transportation department. The expert care from Tufts Hospice was truly beyond measure.

A private service was held. A celebration of her life will be scheduled in the near future. Arrangements were made by Elliott, Woodowrth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport, MA 01950.