Pauline Babakian

Pauline Babakian, age 102, resident of Tuckahoe, NY for over 70 years, died peacefully on February 6, 2025.

Pauline was born on May 1, 1922 in Boston, MA to survivors of the Armenian genocide. A book available in libraries, Some of Us Survived, was written about Pauline's family. 

She is predeceased by her husband of 70 years, John, and her siblings, Susan and Bob, daughter-in-law Tina, and son-in-law Kaloust. She is survived by her four children, Irene (husband Richard), Bill (wife Lynne), Peter, and Susan. She has eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

A wake will be held at St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church in White Plains on February, 15, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. A public service will follow at St. Gregory's at 11:30 AM. A private interment and luncheon will follow.

During World War II at the age of twenty Pauline was possibly the first woman in the jewelry industry selling on the road. Her sales trips were vital to keeping the family wholesale jewelry business afloat while her husband and brother-in-law, the primary sales people, were serving in the military.

Pauline travelled the world with her husband John on buying trips. She became interested in unusual ethnic and antique jewelry of different cultures. At first she collected these beautiful jewelry pieces for herself, jade burial stones, old porcelain pottery shards fashioned into pendants, primitive African amulets and Afghan lapis necklaces. Later she started selling to small boutiques and art galleries. Her business grew and she was soon exhibiting in jewelry shows selling to museum shops coast to coast.

A lover of fine art, Pauline regularly visited major museums both in the US and abroad. She became particularly interested in 17th century Italian drawings at a time when major dealers were concentrating on oil paintings. Pauline enjoyed learning about lesser known artists whose work could be purchased for reasonable sums. She enjoyed going to auctions and galleries to build a collection which gave her great pleasure in her later years. 

Pauline was an ardent jogger and would regularly jog in whatever city or country she was in. When out of the country she would confer with the hotel front desk to map out a route. Although a jogger and not a runner Pauline once won a five mile race in Belmar, NJ when everyone else missed a turn and ran the wrong course. Pauline, running with the mayor of Belmar who had designed the course, did not miss the turn.

Belmar, NJ was the site of a beach house which Pauline and John owned for 35 years. It became a center of family life for their children and later their grandchildren. Pauline said she loved to see her grandchildren playing while on vacation. It was totally different than during formal family parties such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Pauline had a remarkable flexibility and ability to adapt to new situations. She loved the Iphone because she loved receiving texts from her children and grandchildren. She especially marvelled at photos sent by travelling family members from far away places. Even when she was house bound these photos made her feel she was connected to her children's lives. 

The last two years when she was confined to her house and lately her room, Pauline loved to receive FaceTime calls. Her family would brag to friends about their 102 year old mom who loved to FaceTime.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to

AGBU Global Relief Fund

Armenian General Benevolent Union

55 East 59th Street

New York, NY 10022