Mary Sarkisian Parnagian, 98, devoted and loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away on September 4, 2022.

Mary was born in Northeast Philadelphia, PA, daughter of the late Hrant and Verkin Sarkisian who were survivors of the Armenian Genocide. 

In 1946 she married Martin Vartan Parnagian and they were married for 50 years.  They had a beautiful life starting in Collingswood, NJ where they built a thriving business called Martin’s Cleaners. Her joys centered around her Armenian church, her family and friends.  Her interests were cooking, traveling, theatre, music and singing in the church choir.  An excellent cook, Mary took pride in feeding her family and passed her praised recipes on to her beloved family.

Mary is survived by her daughter Linda Parnagian Preske and son Dr. Grant H. Parnagian;, her four grandchildren: Marin (Enrico Bortoluzzi), Brandon Preske, Darren Parnagian, Brian Parnagian (Karla); and four great grandchildren: Marcello, Ennio, Martin and Francesca. She is also survived by a sister-in-law Mary Sarkisian Badders.

She was preceded in death by her husband Martin Vartan Parnagian, a brother Robert Sarkisian, and her son-in-law Dr. Marvin Preske.

Mary was a living example of a lady who embodied purity of heart.

Services will take place at Holy Trinity Armenian Church on Friday, Sept 9, 2022.
– Visitation:  9:30 – 10:15 am
– Funeral service:  10:30  am
– Interment:   Locustwood Memorial Park, 1500 Marlton Pike W, 
                    Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

In-lieu-of-flower donations to Holy Trinity Armenian Church would be appreciated.
   “For you have been my shelter, a strong tower against the foe.” (Psalm 61:3)