In Memoriam: Boston Philanthropist and Assembly Life Trustee Nevart Talanian

Nevart (Semonian) Talanian

Washington, D.C. - The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) mourns the passing of Nevart (Semonian) Talanian, a Boston-based philanthropist and Life Trustee of the Assembly, who passed away on April 19, 2023. A resident of Lincoln, Massachusetts, and formerly of Belmont and Boca Raton, Florida, Nevart was a graduate of Bryant Stratton Business School and worked with her husband, Charles G. Talanian in his grocery store, and later in his real estate business throughout their 45-year marriage. They shared daughter Gail O'Reilly, a community activist and Assembly Life Trustee and former Board Member, and son Charles M. Talanian.  Both Nevart and her husband were active members of the Armenian community in Boston. Nevart showed her constant support of the Assembly in many ways. Besides her involvement as a Life Trustee, she participated in and supported countless events and activities, such as trips to Armenia, and encouraged the advancement of the Assembly’s programs, including the Armenia Tree Project. In recognition of her steadfast commitment and dedication to the Armenian people, the Assembly honored Nevart in 2013 with the Assembly's Distinguished Humanitarian Award.

Gail Talanian O'Reilly with her mother, Nevart Talanian, and grandson Christopher in Boston, MA, where Gail received the Assembly's Distinguished Humanitarian Award on May 19, 2022

Nevart also served the Armenian General Benevolent Union and the Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Cambridge, MA, where she was named "Parishioner of the Year" in 2010. She enjoyed the arts as a watercolor painter for over 30 years and was an accomplished golfer who proudly made two holes-in-one during her golfing days. Nevart's philanthropic endeavors in the Boston community included support of Boston University's School of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Bentley College, Armenian Heritage Park, and the Tekeyan Cultural Association. Visiting hours will be held at the Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home on 558 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 from 4 pm to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church on 145 Brattle Street, Cambridge on Thursday, April 27 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Holy Trinity Armenian Church (for the Charles and Nevart Talanian Trust Fund).

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.

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