Wanda Apkarian's Obituary
Wanda Maryanna (Kisielewski) Apkarian, 98, of Methuen, MA, went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 29th, 2023. God blessed her with a beautiful, happy and long life on this earth and now she is in His presence and glory, reunited with her dear husband Oscar and other believers in Christ. She passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loving family. She will be dearly missed.
Wanda was born on March 12,1925 in Chelsea, MA, to the late Stanley and Katherine (Grzeszczyk) Kisielewski. She grew up in Derry, NH with her older brother Edmund and sister Helen (Kszepka).Graduating from Pinkerton Academy, she served as class vice-president and was active in sports, cheerleading and class plays. “Kissy" had many friends and enjoyed a very independent but responsible life, as her parents, immigrants from Poland, worked long hours providing for the family.
Wanda met her darling husband Oscar at age18 at a dance hall at Beaver Lake in Derry and married him in 1944 while he was on a brief leave from the Navy during WW 2. Later, they moved to Methuen, where they raised their 3 children in a happy and loving home. Wanda was employed over the years at Arlington Mills, Western Electric, Methuen public schools, and American Greetings, but she shined as a homemaker. She enjoyed cooking--especially making Armenian meals for her husband, gardening with Oz, decorating her home, reading, sewing, family times at Seabrook Beach, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandkids. She was a fun gramma! A devoted wife and mother, she truly loved taking care of her family. She was full of life and energy. She also adored all of the family pets, especially her own little doggie companions Lola and Lulu.
Wanda taught Sunday school at the former Hope Church in Lawrence and has been a member of Forest Street Union Church, where her son Mark and Claire attend. Her deep faith in God was evident - she had a joyful, appreciative attitude even as she dealt with illness, injury and old age. Her many devoted home health aides found her to be loveable, funny, cooperative and appreciative. They, as well as the nurses and staff at Beacon Hospice, took such wonderful care of her and deserve our deepest gratitude.
Wanda is survived by her daughter Marsha Satti and husband Charles (Chuck) of Warwick, RI; Mark Apkarian and wife Claire (Couture) who was like a daughter - from Methuen; and Paul Apkarian from Westborough, MA.
She was predeceased by Oscar John Apkarian, her wonderful husband of 52 years; her brother Edmund Kisielewski and sister Helen Kszepka.
She leaves behind five adoring grandchildren, Elaina Satti Blazier of Warwick, RI; Christopher Satti and wife Corey of Providence, RI; Lisa Apkarian of Lawrence, MA; Josh Apkarian and wife Keira of Quincy, MA; and Ariane Apkarian of Quincy, MA. Wanda also leaves behind four great-grandchildren, Gianna Blazier, Annabelle Blazier, John (Jack) Satti and Luke Satti and several nieces and nephews.
At the request of the family, a private service will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Pollard Funeral home Methuen, followed by burial at Bellevue Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity or consider donating to Samaritans' Purse, Wounded Warriors Project, Shriners Hospital for Children, Tunnel2Towers, Disabled American Vets, Forest Street Church, Beacon Hospice.
The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Apkarian family.
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