Alice Sahagen was born January 6, 1914, and entered eternal rest on October 17, 2013, at the age of 99. She died peacefully and of natural causes in her home in Mission Viejo, CA. The Lord graciously arranged for her family and caregivers to surround her with love within days of her death. She is survived by both her children, Beverly and Judi, by her grandchildren, Debbie and Paul, and by her great-granddaughter, Kayla, who brought great joy to her heart during this final year of her life.

Alice was the third of five children (Agnes, Carney, Albert, and Gertrude) born to Elmas and Mardiros Nahigian. She grew up in Somerville, MA, and enjoyed a secure, loving childhood, full of Sunday get-togethers with cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Alice had a strong faith in God – she would not lay her head on her pillow at night without first praying. She was a founding member of the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church of Greater Boston, and very active in the life of the church.

Upon graduation from high school, Alice went on to Chandler Secretarial School. Shortly thereafter she became an executive secretary for one of the Vice-Presidents of a consulting firm in Cambridge. She was happy in her job and worked cheerfully until the age of 70.

After several years of a disappointing marriage, Alice and her children moved into her mother's home, where she raised her girls with the help of her mother, Agnes, and Gertrude.

Many of her girlfriends remained single, and they encouraged one another in their careers and socialized regularly at the bridge table and with theater and dinner outings to Boston.

After both daughters married and moved to California, she and her sisters moved as well in 1985. They bought a home in a senior community of Mission Viejo, just one mile from her grandchildren. They participated whole-heartedly in the activities their new community offered – trips, ceramics classes, bridge games, lectures, etc. Most importantly, Grammy and the aunties were a blessing to Debbie and Pauly, cheering them on at soccer and Little League games, taking them on vacations, spending holidays together, cooking their favorite meals and desserts, playing board games, Scrabble, backgammon, and card games with them -- and generally enjoying being part of their lives.

In keeping with the priority of faith in her life, after moving to California, Alice and her sisters became founding members of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Costa Mesa, where they worshipped regularly and participated in a variety of activities.

Alice was unwavering in her Christian faith, and her commitment to God was reflected in the way she lived her life. She consistently put the needs of others above her own, and lived in peace and charity with others. She belonged to Him in life, and her spirit is alive with Him eternally.

A funeral service will be held for her on October 24th, 10 a.m., at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, 148 E. 22nd Street, Costa Mesa. This will be followed by a buffet luncheon at her home.

Alice will be buried with her parents and sisters in Waltham, MA.