VICTORIA "VICKI" GOSHDIGIAN, 96, of Providence, passed away March 7, 2008 at the Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center, where she had received exceptional loving and tender care. Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Sumpad and Mariam (Gasparian) Goshdigian, Vicki lived in Providence for her entire life, attending RISD.
"VICKI, INC." - For over 35 years, THE place to shop for fashionable women's clothes in Providence. Vicki Goshdigian launched the business in the Dolphin House on South Main Street in 1962, moving it a few years later to its permanent location on Brook Street. Not simply a dress shop owner, Vicki was a masterful couturier who custom fitted every item to ensure devoted customers looked their best. To suit individual tastes she often redesigned necklines and sleeves to change an item's entire look. She knew her customers so well that she could advise them on style and attire them accordingly, purchasing specific dresses for individuals on her frequent trips to New York City fashion houses. There was no dress store to equal it!
Vicki worked in Providence, but her heart remained at her second home in Foster. In the early 1950's she purchased the 300-year-old house and its 25 surrounding acres, mostly forest. Besides restoring the house, she had a natural spring-fed pond dug, and spent her days there toiling outdoors. She loved the estate's numerous birds and animals, and planted an apple tree honoring her father and a rose garden for her mother. Vicki's other passion was art. A fervent supporter of the late Providence painter, Karnig Nalbandian, she collected fine works from other artists, as well.
Vicki is survived by her beloved brother, Haig Goshdigian and his wife, Ginny of Ashton, Maryland; her devoted granddaughter, Dr. Xiao-Qing Wang of Providence; and her loving nephew, Michael Tanner of Wakefield. She was also sister to the late Ara and Ann Goshdigian, and the aunt of the late Peggy Goshdigian Stone. Vicki also left many dear friends and extended family members.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, October 18th at 11:30 a.m. at her beloved home in Foster.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center, 50 Maude St., Providence, RI 02908.