Virginia H. Soovajian

Virginia Helen Ishkanian Soovajian of Maverick Park, Woodstock, N.Y., passed away peacefully Friday, December 17, 2021. She was 91. She was born in Troy, N.Y. on June 10th, 1930, the daughter of the late Noury and Arshalouse (Krajian) Ishkanian, who immigrated to the United States from Aintab, Turkey in 1914.

Virginia was a graduate of Troy High School and Troy Business College. She worked for the Rensselaer County Department of Social Services and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as executive secretary to the dean of the School of Architecture. Virginia volunteered as a Red Cross nurse’s aide for the Samaritan Hospital in Troy. She was an active member of the United Armenian Calvary Congregational Church in Troy.

On November 22, 1959, she married Sooren “Frank” Soovajian. They built their home and resided in Woodstock, where they raised their family and pursued their dreams. Virginia was passionate about her family and community. She was a member of the Overlook United Methodist Church in Woodstock. She volunteered with the West Hurley Elementary School P.T.A., Zena Recreation Park and West Hurley Library, where she spearheaded many fundraising events and served as treasurer. More recently, she volunteered at the Kingston Hospital Happy Apple Thrift Shop. She enjoyed tending to her vast flower and herb gardens, played bridge with several groups for over 30 years and loved to travel with her husband and dear friend Barbara Poleschner. She worked at Cedars Luggage in Kingston for many years. She spent the winter months with her husband and friends in Naples, FL. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandson, Sean William Reynolds.
In addition to her parents, Virginia is predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Sooren, and brother, Nerses “Ted” Ishkanian. Survivors include her daughter Anita Soovajian Reynolds (Sean O’Brien); son Deran Soovajian (Karen Pettorossi); beloved grandson, Sean; sister-in-law Nancy Ishkanian and niece Marisa Ishkanian. Many dear cousins and friends also survive.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Simpson-Hammerl Funeral Home, 411 Albany Avenue, Kingston on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 from 10 am to 12 pm. Her final resting place will be in the Ulster County Veteran’s Cemetery in New Paltz alongside her husband, Sooren; Inurnment will be privately held at a later date. Donations may be made in memory of Virginia Soovajian to Health Alliance Hospital Broadway Campus, 396 Broadway, Kingston. For a private family guest book and service directions, visit www.SimpsonHammerl.com.