Born in Alexandrette (Iskenderun), Turkey on March 27, 1936—Anouche Terzian came into the world with the kind of grace and charm that would one day hold entire family squabbles at bay.

One of seven siblings, she was the 4th born. Being the middle of her siblings, she quickly learned the most valuable life skill right in her early years of life, and that is how to stay neutral. She was the arbitrator between the siblings when they used to argue amongst each other.

At a young age, Anouche’s family moved to Lebanon, where she would grow up, forge lifelong friendships, and develop a love for learning and writing. She had a high curiosity and determination to teach life’s lessons better than any textbook could.

In 1963, Anouche met the love of her life, George Kevork Merdkhanian, and married him the same year. Together, they had three sons: Jano, Jacques, and Raffi. Yes, three boys. And yes, she remained sane. Mostly.

While in Lebanon, she had the opportunity to become a businesswoman running the “Pluto” toy store in partnership with her husband. She was particularly proud of this accomplishment.

Life, as it tends to do, brought both joy and heartbreak. Despite the tragic loss of her beloved son Jano in 1985, she did not allow her light to dim, though it carved a permanent place of tenderness in her heart.

Through Lebanon’s civil war and the scattering of her children across continents, Anouche kept her family stitched together with long-distance love.

After 6 years of being away from her children, in 1992, she reunited with family in Vancouver, and was finally closer to both Jacques and Raffi. In that same year, she took great pride in welcoming the first “hars” (daughter-in-law), Diana, into the family.

Anouche did not allow the untimely death of her husband in 1993 take her will to live and be supportive of her family.

In 1996, Anouche was fortunate to witness the marriage of his other son Jacques to Taline.

Grandmotherhood was her final promotion and her finest role. With the arrival of Tamar in 1997 and Sevag in 2002, Anouche seamlessly transitioned into part-time nanny, full-time spoiler, and honorary member of the Armenian Relief Society (“HOM”). Between diapers, dolmas, and community volunteering (over 55 years with HOM!), she was a force of joy, service, and gentle wisdom.

Over the years, she never lost her sparkle—or her ability to find someone to chat with, feed, or mother. Whether it was at church, at an HOM meeting, or in line at the bakery, Anouche could connect with anyone, and somehow by the end of the conversation they’d be telling her their life story and a promise to connect again.

She is survived by her sons Jacques and Raffi, daughters-in-law Taline and Diana, her adored grandchildren Tamar and Sevag, her siblings, extended family, and a small army of people who swore she made the best “choreg”.

Anouche lived with a smile that outlasted sorrow, a generosity that never ran dry, and a strength that came with a gentle touch. She may no longer be with us in body, but her spirit is likely organizing an HOM meeting in heaven, gently correcting the angels on how to properly roll “sarma”.

She will be missed dearly—and remembered always.