It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of our beloved mother/grandmother/great-grandmother and friend, Irma Ketli, who departed this life peacefully surrounded by family and friends. She always showed tremendous resilience despite having significant health issues throughout the last 8 years and having lost the love of her life Gabriel Basmajian in 2001. She is survived by her daughter Talar (Jean-Claude Prefontaine) and son Haig (Margo Takvorian) as well as her grandchildren Eliza (Trevor Philips), Catherine (Mitchell Frank), Gabriel, Aris and great-grandchild David.

Born in Constantinople during a difficult era, Irma lived a meaningful life marked by unwavering strength, faith, boundless compassion with a deep commitment to her community and always putting others before herself and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life.

After immigrating to Canada to find a safer and more prosperous life, along with her husband and young daughter during the mid-1960’s, Irma was known for her community service, faith, adaptability and resilience. While raising a growing family, she was a loyal employee for many years at Eaton’s, mainly as a consultant for Royal Doulton. Her volunteer work in the Montreal Armenian community spans many decades and includes several entities, notably the Hayastan All Armenian Fund, École Alex Manoogian, Centre Bolsahay, Armenian Woman’s Association and MEG cultural organization.

A celebration of Irma’s life will be held on July 22, 2025 at Saint Gregory Apostolic church, beginning at 10:30am. Family and friends are invited to attend and share memories of a remarkable woman who lived a long and meaningful life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church  or the Teresa-Dellar Palliative Center  in her memory.

Her legacy of love, resilience, and compassion will live on in all who were blessed to know her.