Ankine Jeghelian (1926-2008)

Ankine was born on August 10, 1926 in Alexandrette Syria, the eldest daughter and sister of 7 siblings. She grew up in Beirut, Lebanon where her parents had emigrated in 1936. From a very young age she had great passion for learning and was able to successfully finish high school and college achieving several degrees in Teaching, Math and Child Care. She was also an accomplished piano player having achieved several degrees in music. She dedicated herself to teaching by taking up French and math teaching positions as well as she tutored piano lessons to talented youngsters a until she married Avedis Jeghelian in 1962.

She had two daughters whom she loved with all her might. She was a firm believer in going above and beyond to extend a helping hand to all those in need and was a member of the Lebanese Armenian Cross and Saint Hagop church’s Women’s Auxiliary in Ashrafieh, Beirut from 1967 until her death. She served on the executive board as chairperson of several charitable organizations, such as The Central Executive of Women’s Auxiliary and the Social Services Committee of the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Lebanon. She was passionate about her work and persistent in overcoming all the difficulties and challenges that came her way.

Her efforts increased exponentially during the difficult years of the Lebanese Civil War. Ankine ignored the challenges and even the ever-present danger of bombs and death, and marched on to extend and deliver humanitarian and financial aid to the needy. In addition to her humanitarian efforts she was a passionate believer in preserving the Armenian Culture and the Christian faith. She was duly recognized for her dedication and diligent efforts and was the recipient of several awards and medals in Lebanon.

She was a loving mother and grandmother and a role model to all who knew her. She was a driving force in everything she did and her energy never faded until 2006 when cancer attacked her strong body and soul. She succumbed to the disease and lost her battle on December 21, 2008 and was taken away from her loving family. As for her family, not a single day passes without her being fondly remembered and so sorely missed.