With deep regret, the Eastern Diocese mourns the loss of Diramayr Shakeh Kadehjian, mother of the Rev. Fr. Bedros Kadehjian, who passed away unexpectedly, and far before her time, on June 26.
A fixture of life at the Diocesan Center and throughout the New York community, Shakeh was a gifted educator who was deeply passionate about serving the Armenian Church, and preserving the Armenian language and culture. She was born in Lebanon, and moved to New York after marrying her husband Papken. The two were blessed with two children, Lisa and Fr. Bedros (baptized Ara), and three grandchildren, Arev, Garen and Tavit.
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral was a second home to Shakeh, and the stage for her efforts to inspire young souls to love of their Armenian Christian heritage. She was a longtime teacher and principal of the cathedral’s St. Vartan Armenian School, taught at the Diocese’s Khrimian Lyceum, and led evening classes in Armenian for the Mesrob Mashdots Institute. In recent years Shakeh had greatly enjoyed taking on the leadership of the cathedral’s Avaks seniors group.
She was also very active in Manhattan’s St. Gregory the Illuminator Parish (the precursor to the cathedral community), the Daughters of Vartan (which she served as a Dirouhi), and the city’s Armenian Evangelical Church (where she spent many years as office manager).
Her dedicated service to the cause of Armenian education surpassed 40 years—and her efforts were honored in a special reception at the Diocesan Center, and also during the Diocese’s Armenian Teachers’ Symposium.
In a life enriched by her love of cooking, gardening, travel, and countless friendships, Shakeh’s most powerful love was always directed towards her family, for whose consolation we now pray.
Funeral services for Diramayr Shakeh Kadehjian will take place on Friday, July 2, at St. Vartan Cathedral (630 Second Ave., New York, NY), beginning at 12 noon. Diramayr’s family has requested that memorial donations should be directed to the American Heart Association or the Children of Armenia Fund.
May our Lord Jesus receive his true servant, and welcome Diramayr into that eternal kingdom for which she prayed throughout her days.