Varsenig Der Megerdichian, a veteran educator and a founding leader of the Armenian Relief Society Western US, passed away on Monday, June 8.

A generation of students at Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School were touched by Der Megerdichian’s dedication and wisdom as she taught science at the school for decades and led the school’s science department.

Her community activism led her to become a founding member of the ARS Western United States. She chaired the organization’s Regional Executive from 1988 to 1990.

Following the 1988 Earthquake in Spitak, Der Megerdichian became a driving force in the Earthquake Relief Fund for Armenia, a group founded to coordinate relief efforts for the victims of the this tragedy. In that capacity she not only oversaw the ERFA activities in the Western Region, but also traveled to Armenia, where she and others presented keys to residences constructed in the Akhourian Region through the efforts of the organization.

Der Megerdichian was also an active member of the Hampig Sassounian Defense Committee.

The ARS Western US Regional Executive and the Ferrahian School Board, administration and staff have offered their condolences to her family and relatives

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