In Memoriam: Assembly Benefactor, Trustee & Board Member Flora Dunaians

Flora Dunaians (right) with her dear friends and fellow Armenian Assembly of America Board Members Elizabeth Agbabian (left) and Savey Tufenkian (middle)

Washington, D.C. - The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) mourns the loss of longtime and dedicated Assembly Trustee, former Board Member, and Southern California Regional Council Member, Mrs. Flora Dunaians. "On behalf of the Armenian Assembly of America, we express our deepest condolences to Flora's daughters Gigi and Suzie," stated Assembly Board Co-Chairs, Anthony Barsamian and Van Krikorian. "Flora's longtime contribution as an Assembly Trustee and Board Member, along with her philanthropic endeavors to the diaspora, Armenia and Artsakh were inspiring, as was her work with the Armenian Assembly of America. Her smile and sense of humor were welcome at every Board meeting." "Flora was a driving force in all that she did. Her enthusiasm, warmth, passion and love of Armenia and Artsakh knew no bounds. She will be greatly missed,” added Assembly President Carolyn Mugar. A valued member of the Assembly Family, Flora, along with her late husband George, were active supporters of the Armenian American community both in the homeland and in the diaspora, contributing, time and resources to the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, the Mother Holy See of Etchmiadzin, Armenian International Women's Association, National Board of Team Armenia, and Armenian Professional Society, among other noteworthy organizations. Following the tragic 1988 earthquake in Armenia, Flora and George arranged for emergency supplies to be flown to Yerevan. Following Armenia's independence, Flora co-founded Developmental Services for Armenia, a non-profit organization that helps schools and orphanages, and she also established a dental clinic at the Nork Military Academy in Yerevan. Flora and George were both founding members of the Consulate of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles. Flora, along with Elizabeth Agbabian and the late Savey Tufenkian, were instrumental supporters of the Assembly and organized successful galas for the organization in California. The Assembly recognized Flora with the Distinguished Humanitarian Award for her efforts and dedication at the Assembly's 40th Anniversary Gala in Los Angeles, CA in 2012. Flora’s funeral service will take place on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at 1:00 pm at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of Pasadena, CA. A luncheon in loving memory of Flora will take place immediately after the funeral service at St. Gregory’s adjacent Geragos Hall.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

###

NR# 2022-24