Helen R. Voskerjian

 Helen Ruth Voskerjian, 89, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2020, at High Pointe Hospice surrounded by her loving family. She will be deeply missed for her significant and memorable impact on all who knew her.

Born in Lawrence MA, on January 24th, 1931, Helen was one of three daughters born to Samuel and Bertha Vartanian. She spent her childhood growing up in Salem, NH with her sisters Mary Garabedian and Sandra Garabedian. Her childhood days were spent on her family farm in Salem NH, where she was raised and educated. After graduating, she worked at Merrimack Valley National Bank in the mortgage department for over forty years where she developed many close relationships and friendships with her customers. Family has been of utmost importance in her life, and continued to be when she created her own. She loved her family. She was known as “Mom” to her two daughters, “Grandma” to her five grandchildren and “Medzmama” to her great- grandson. She was the cornerstone of her family, giving guidance freely and standing firm through all life’s moments. She was the epitome of selflessness; all her family’s needs came before her own. Her ultimate strength was the love and care she was able to give, over and over again, no matter life’s circumstances. 

She married the love of her life, Thomas Voskerjian, on May 5th, 1957 and were married for sixty-three beautiful years. They loved spending time together and they attended countless celebratory moments. They also enjoyed taking trips together, and spent much time in Florida with Helen’s sister, Sandra. They spent countless summers vacationing with their children and grandchildren at the beach. Their house was always full with family members spending time laughing at her humor, reminiscing and creating memories, and eating all of her Armenian delicacies. In her later years, she loved spending days sitting out in the sun in front of her house, where many people driving by would wave “hello”, and making her great-grandson laugh.

Helen will always be lovingly remembered for how she blessed those around her. Helen spent every Sunday afternoon preparing a meal for her family following church. She was an active member in the Ararat Armenian Congregational Church in Salem, NH, the church her grandparents took part in the foundation and building of. She served on a variety of committees, and contributed her cooking expertise to aid church dinners and Sunday services.  Helen graced the church in Salem, as well as the Unitarian Churches in Lawrence and Andover for decades with her beautiful singing voice. She valued close relationships with other church members, and made it a mission in her life to spread God’s love to her family and friends.

Helen is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Voskerjian, her daughter Laurie Sliney and her husband, Joseph, her daughter Audrey Gilman and husband Steve: her grandchildren Adam Gilman, Sarah Lippincott and husband Trevor, Allie Sliney, Chrissie Sliney, and Luke Gilman: and great-grandson Gabriel Thomas. She is also survived by her sister Sandra Garabedian. In addition to her family, she is survived by many extended family and friends. 

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ararat Armenian Congregational Church at 2 Salem Street, Salem NH 03079. 

Arrangements are by the Goundrey & Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main St., Salem, NH. To leave an online condolence, please visit Helen’s tribute page at www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com.

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