Born: July 1, 1929 - Deceased: October 13, 2024
Sharon Mary Kezirian, (Kakligian), 95, of Shiloh, IL, born Monday, July 1, 1929, in Granite City, IL, passed away Sunday, October 13, 2024 at Mar-Ka Nursing Home in Mascoutah, IL.
Shamiram (Sharon) Mary Kakligian was born in Granite City, Illinois, in 1929. Her parents came from Armenia. Therefore, she grew up speaking Armenian in her childhood home with her two older sisters. Her earliest memory was falling asleep in her father’s lap at an Armenian dance festival. Her sisters later moved to Niagara Falls, New York, where Sharon took her first trip so she could see her sister’s wedding. Meanwhile, Shum, as she was nicknamed, remained in the Saint Louis Metro East area of Illinois. In school, her favorite class was home economics because she got to learn how to cook. After she graduated high school, she began working at the International Shoe Factory where she was a bookkeeper. She met her husband, Hrant, at an Armenian Youth Federation Dance, where she said it was love at first sight. After getting married, she supported her husband’s dry-cleaning business and had four “awesome” children, whom she said taught her the greatest lesson in life: a mother’s love for her children is greater than anything.
She was preceded in death by her:
- Husband, Hrant Kezirian
- Daughter, Mary Kezirian
- Parents, Aghayeg and Zavart (Der Khatchadurian) Kakligian
- Sisters:
- Lucille Avdoian
- Rose Meharian
- Nephews:
- Jack Meharian
- Gary Meharian
- Sister-in-law, Agnes Kezirian
Surviving are her:
- Sons:
- John Kezirian of Belleville, IL
- Stephan Kezirian (Julia Townsend) of Imperial, MO
- Charles Kezirian (Trudy Kline) of Shiloh, IL
- Grandchildren:
- Tai Kezirian
- Elijah Kezirian
- Grace Kezirian
- Daughter-in-law, Tien Kezirian of St. Louis, MO
- Nephew, Richard (Nancy) Avdoian of Fairview Hgts, IL
- Nieces:
- Deborah (Deacon Albert) Amato of Niagara Falls, NY
- Pamela Avdoian of Las Vegas, NV
- Lori Meharian of Williamsville, NY
- Great niece and nephews:
- Alexan Avedis Amato
- Karine Lucia Amato
- Gregory Ara Avdoian
- John Nishan Avdoian
- James Sahag Avdoian
- Great great nephews:
- Zachary Avdoian
- Bennett Avdoian
- Special cousin, Takouhie Kakligian of Fairview Hgts, IL
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church Granite City, IL or Holy Virgin Mary Shoghagot Armenian Church in Belleville, IL.
Services: Private services will be held October 18, 2024 at Kurrus Funeral Home,with interment at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates, Glen Carbon, IL.
10 Comments
Chuck and family, my thoughts are with you as I reflect on this sweet woman.
Our sincerest condolences to the Kezirian family. Sharon was a dear and lovely lady. We’ll miss her smile and welcoming nature. She always made you feel like you were a part of her family, whom she adored.
Love,
Erick, Lisa, Mercedes, Leo, and Emil
So sorry for your loss. Many thoughts and prayers to you all. Much love always
May GOD bless you and your family. Cherish the memories and continue to spread love and togetherness within the family
Great lady, she would always hand Tai and us popsicles during our summer adventures in the neighborhood. She will be missed. May she rest in peace.
So very sorry for the loss of your mother. Charlie and family will be in our prayers. You’re mother was amazing woman and will be sorely missed.
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing Chuck. You were a compassionate, loving son who honored her throughout her life and in particular when she was in assisted living. May memories of her be a comfort to you knowing she loved you very much. May God bring peace to you in the days ahead.
My sister, Shammy, and I were literally raised with her two eldest: Johnny and Mary. My fondest memories of all. Condolences to the remaining family members.
Sorry for the loss of your mother Chuck. I remember how loving and nice she was and lit up when you entered the room. May God provide comfort and peace to your family during this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! When she lived with you ,Chuck, Paul and I enjoyed the many talks with her in the middle of the cul de sac, especially me! Such a very sweet lady!