Elizabeth "Liz" Kooloian

of North Providence, Rhode Island died peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, March 9, 2025. Liz was born on Christmas Eve, 1931 to the late Nouhimzar (Mardigian) and Antranig Krikorian in Providence, RI. She was pre-deceased by her sisters Manoushag Weston, Miriam Krikorian, Zainey Krikorian and her mother-in-law, Julia Kooloian.

She married the love of her life, Azarig “Ozzie” Kooloian, Sr. on April 25, 1954. Together, in North Providence, they raised their five children and created their American dream as first-generation Armenian Americans.

Elizabeth graduated from Central High School in 1949, and enjoyed singing in her church choir for many years at Saints Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church. After graduation she worked for the State of Rhode Island as a secretary, until her marriage, when she then helped build her husband’s construction company as the Vice President and Secretary until their retirement.

Liz was deeply devoted to her family and dear friends. She loved volunteering her time at church picnics and bazaars and was the co-founder of the church Cultural Committee. She was also the co-chair of the fund-raising committee, which helped build the addition to the Egavian Cultural Center. She was a member of the church Women’s Guild, and in 1998 created and edited a cookbook for the church, titled The Flavors of Home – Atchkeet Chop.

Liz was also an extraordinary cook, baker, and entertainer. Her sharp mind, up until her passing could be attributed to her love of crossword puzzles. She and Ozzie enjoyed their many travels throughout the U.S., Europe, and Armenia, including two pilgrimages to her parents’ village, Istanos, now part of Eastern Turkey.

Liz deeply loved time spent with her family, and dedicated much of her retirement supporting her grandchildren’s many passions and interests.

Her loving, generous spirit was touched by all who knew her and will live on for generations.

Liz is survived by her husband, Azarig Kooloian, Sr., her children Julie Kooloian De Masi and her husband Louis De Masi, Elizabeth M. Kooloian, Nina Kooloian Tegu and her husband Peter Tegu, Kim Kooloian Ventris and her husband David Ventris and Azarig “Ozzie” Kooloian, Jr. and his wife Lori Kooloian; her grandchildren, Alexandra and Juliet De Masi, Eli Tegu, and Olivia, Ava and Lana Kooloian, as well as niece and nephew Diana Barsoumian and Anthony Weston, and great niece and nephews along with many loving family members and friends.

Visiting hours are Thursday, March 13th at Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Church from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a Funeral Service on Friday, March 14th at 11 a.m., all to which relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be at Swan Point Cemetery, Providence.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Church, 70 Jefferson St., Providence, RI 02908.