Esther Zorzopian

Esther Zorzopian, 98, of Stevens, who died on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, was a beautiful Christian woman, very strong in faith. She never showed weakness. Even as her quality of life drastically deteriorated over the past decade, she didn’t question God. Her belief was simply, “The Lord is just not ready for me yet”. Her nightly prayers thanked God for all his countless blessings. She had the unwavering bravery, power and peace that can only be received from the Holy Spirit. Effortlessly she possessed that Fruit of The Spirit all of the time as defined in Gal 5:22-23 – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Also as described in the Bible, she was an exemplary wife. Not only deeply in love with her husband, but she demonstrated her vast love and devotion to him with honor and respect. She was never negative. It was a blessing to witness their beautiful, rich marriage. She was an amazing definition of an ideal mother and grandmother. Esther always gave an abundance of unconditional love and God’s grace. After a visit with her, one felt loved, her genuine concern, encouraged and never left hungry! She was a perfect hostess, cheerleader, always uplifting, making you feel very special and unique. She never talked about herself – completely giving and completely selfless. Esther worked several positions – manager of her family’s grocery store, private secretary to multiple politicians in City Hall, a loan officer for a private lending company and retired as the main bookkeeper to a large New Jersey insurance company. Even though she was highly respected in each of these positions, she always put her family ahead of her career. She lived and was defined by her dedication to her family. Esther was born in Philadelphia, PA. She was very involved with the Philadelphia Armenian community. Those social activities were the center of her youth. Her stories, her fond memories, were always such a source of great entertainment. She carried the Armenian Flag at the first AYF Olympics as a teen. She went to every Armenian Affair as possible, and of course, she had to be dressed in the most stylish of threads. She loved Armenian dancing and food. Her parents were married in St Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, originally located on Oxford Ave. in Philadelphia in 1909. Starting with her baptism in 1917, following throughout all her immediate and extended family’s celebrations and losses, (including her marriage and her children’s christenings), she was very involved with this church. Daughter of the late Marguerid Garabedian (born in Kharpert, Armenia) and Gabriel Kayajanian (born in Ayvos Village, of Kharpert, Armenia). Wife to the late John Zorzopian (born in Malatya, Armenia). Mother to the late Warren Zorzopian (born in Philadelphia, PA). Brother to Haig Kayajanian (born in Philadelphia, PA). Survived by nephew Gary Kayajanian, daughter Gale Zorian, son-in-law James Hagelgans, firstborn grandson Nicholas Pace, grandson Warren Pace. And lastly in her final days, Esther was most thrilled to learn of the newest addition to her family – her grandson Warren’s fiancé, Elizabeth Sollecito. Whether known as Mom, Mimi, or Saint Esther…dear, humble, kind, Esther Zorzopian, you will be greatly missed and will live in our hearts forever. A Funeral Service will be held at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, 8701 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128 on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. Interment in Greenmount Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church, 8701 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128.