Gertrude Mary Avedisian

Gertrude M. (Shadbegian) Avedisian of Fort Lauderdale, FL, passed away at her home on Sunday, May 24, 2015, a few days shy of her 89th birthday. She was the beloved wife of the late Vian J. Avedisian.

Born in Providence, RI, Gertrude was the daughter of the late Arax (Harpootlian) and John Shadbegian of Seekonk, MA. She is survived by her son, Vian J. Avedisian, Jr., her daughter, Arden Avedisian, four grandchildren, and many loving nieces, nephews and friends. She was also the sister of the late Masis Veznaian of Warwick, RI.

Gert and her late husband moved their family from Cranston, RI, to Fort Lauderdale, FL, when their children were young. She loved to have family and friends visit her, and was a wonderful example of Florida hospitality. However, she never forgot her New England roots and the family returned to Seekonk, summer after summer, to be with her parents, to visit with family and friends, to eat lobster, and to help her parents run their large blueberry farm.

Gert was co-owner of Kirk Originals, a Florida company that sold needlecraft products, and worked part-time for a number of years as a realtor. She was a member of St David Armenian Apostolic Church, Boca Raton. She was a great storyteller and loved to reminisce. She delighted in her family and friends, all of whom will miss her dearly.

The family is indebted to her two wonderful caregivers, Ionie Brissette and Moya Hutchinson, who helped care for her for the last several years.

Relatives and friends can pay their respects on Friday, June 5, 2015, at Serenity Funeral Home, 3889 Powerline Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33339. Calling hours will be from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m., followed immediately by a service. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of her life at her late residence, immediately after the service. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Vitas Healthcare, 5420 NW 33rd Ave #100, Fort Lauderdale, FL or Gold Coast Home Health and Hospice Services, 309 SE 18th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316.