Zarie Karan (Krikorian) Ahlijanian

died peacefully surrounded by her family on March 11th 2025. Zarie was born on April 1st, 1934, in Providence, RI to Araxie and Kheran Krikorian who had immigrated to the United States as a result of the Armenian Genocide. Zarie was the second of four children (George, Nazely and Charles, all deceased) and graduated from Central High School in Providence in 1952 where she was a cheerleader for the basketball team. It was during this time that she met her husband of 52 years Harry Ahlijanian (deceased 2008) who, coincidentally, played for the team. It was also in high school that mom acquired the nickname “Rusty” based on the red/orange color of her hair.

Throughout her life she was active in the Armenian church and as a youth participated in the Armenian Youth Federation. Following high school and before marrying, Zarie was a medical secretary in Providence. Following marriage in 1956, she gave birth to and raised three children, Michael, Roxane and Paul. In the 1970s Zarie began college, initially as a part-time student and subsequently as a full-time student, earning both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in speech pathology. She practiced speech pathology both in private practice at the Sargent Center followed by the Warwick public school systems starting in 1986 until her retirement in 1996.

Zarie was devoted to the Armenian church and in addition to attending services as frequently as possible, helped in the kitchen of Sts. Vartanantz Church preparing food for the annual bazaar and other functions as well as singing in the choir. While her children were young, she was a member of the Edgewood Junior Women’s League and eventually served as president. She also volunteered in a program called Insight, reading books on the radio for the blind. Zarie loved music and theater and participated in community theater in East Greenwich playing supporting roles in musicals such as Grease, Fiddler on the Roof and Oliver.

Zarie possessed a vivacious and loving spirit. She had many friends and participated in as many social activities as possible. She never did anything halfway and pursued her goals conscientiously and with commitment. Zarie cared deeply for her family and spent as much time as possible with her grandchildren.

Zarie is survived by her son Michael (married to Carol Penney), daughter Roxane (married to Gregg Russo) and Paul (married to Jennifer Greene) as well as 5 grandchildren Torey, Ella, Marley, Abigail and Isabella.

Her Funeral Service to which relatives and friends are invited will be held on Tuesday, March 18th at 11 a.m. at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, Providence, followed by interment at North Burial Ground, Providence. Visiting hours are Monday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sts. Vartanantz Church, 402 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909.