On a beautiful sunny San Francisco day, our dear mother, Maritza Kiramidjian, died peacefully in her San Francisco home on October 17, 2013, at the age of 90. She was born in New York City, at Harlem Hospital on September 9, 1923. As a young woman in New York, Maritza accomplished many things. She attended PS 116 Elementary School; attended Music and Arts High School where she studied both piano and cello; studied ballet at Seda Suny's renowned dance studio; studied for two years at Hunter College; took summer classes at Juilliard School of Music with pianist, Sasha Gorodnitsky; taught private piano lessons; for nine years studied the Armenian language and culture at a New York Armenian school; and from age 15 played the organ at the Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church. In 1946, at age 23, her family visited their Niksarian cousins in Fresno, Ca. While there, she attended an Armenian dance at the Hotel Californian, where she met Ludwig, who had recently returned from service during World War II. They fell in love, and were married six weeks later at the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church in Fresno. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to San Francisco, where they had gone for their honeymoon. There they bought a home and raised their two children. Maritza was a devoted wife and mother. She loved being a homemaker, and her cooking of Armenia cuisine, such as delicious lamajoon and sarma was outstanding! She also loved to knit and crochet good things for her family. During many of these years in San Francisco, she was the organist at the Calvary Armenian Congregational Church. Although she could have sacrificed a family to become a concert pianist, she never regretted her choice of devoting herself to her family. After her husband's retirement, they traveled extensively. With their custom built Corvair pickup camper, affectionately referred to as "the love boat", they journeyed throughout the United States and parts of Canada. They also toured Mexico, many countries in Europe, Turkey, as well as Soviet Armenia. Over the years Maritza displayed courage and fortitude when confronted with life's challenges, remaining positive to the end. We are thankful to have had her with us for these many years. Her smile and words of encouragement brightened our lives. Her gift of music enriched us. Above all, our mother's genuine warmth and kindness were a priceless blessing that we will never forget. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Ludwig Kiramidjian Sr.; her parents, Garabed and Veronica Kramedjian; and her siblings, Jack Kiramidjian, Elizabeth Topjian, and Leo Kiramidjian. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Lud Jr. and Lorraine Kiramidjian; daughter and son-in-law, Veronica and Greg Bottini; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Published in the Fresno Bee on Nov. 3, 2013