Rose Ann Apkarian passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of July 22nd. Born in New Britain, CT to Paul and Elizabeth Yagoobian, she was a long-time resident of Methuen. She enjoyed many years working for the food service operation in the Methuen School System.  Rose was loved by students and faculty alike and was an amazing cook. One of the many ways she showed her love for people was to serve wonderful home-cooked meals, especially traditional Armenian dishes.  She also worked for many years at Western Electric in North Andover.

Rose was married for 59 years to her loving sweetheart, John Apkarian. Together they had three children: Deborah Apkarian Barry and her husband Robert of Chelmsford, MA; David Apkarian and his wife Nancy of Methuen, MA; and John Apkarian and his wife Patty of Titusville, FL. She also leaves eight grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Rose is also survived by her brother, Oscar Yagoobian of Kensington, CT, and her sisters Charlotte Ohanesian of New Britain, CT and Elizabeth Rightmyer of Farmington, CT.

The most important parts of her life were her relationship to her Lord and Savior, Jesus, her many world travels with her beloved husband, and holidays and special occasions with her close-knit family. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rose’s memory may be sent to Mass General Hospital Neuro-Oncology. Donations can be mailed to Mass General Hospital Development Office, Attn: Heidi Bergmeyer, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844. Funeral services will take place on Friday, July 28 at 10:30 AM in the First Church Congregational, 26 Pleasant Street, Methuen. Burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery in Lawrence. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.dewhirstfuneral.com

 Service Information