Valerie Berthe Melikian

Valerie was born in Chelsea, MA, on March 15, 1925 to Zarouhi (Sayegh) and Charles Barooshian. She was the eldest of 4 sisters, with one older brother. Her father was in the import/export business, and spent much of his time traveling overseas, and eventually brought his family to settle in Beirut, Lebanon. Valerie’s early education was spent in French and British schools where she spoke fluent French and English in addition to her native Armenian. 

At 17, Valerie returned to the United States, graduating from Watertown High School and later pursuing pre-med at Northeastern University. Her family settled in a grand home in Newton Corner which would become the backdrop for festive holiday gatherings throughout the coming years. 

In 1952, Valerie married the love of her life, George Melikian. Their love was radiant—George's face would light up whenever Valerie entered the room. And she loved getting dolled-up, being the true glamour girl that she was. Together, they built a beautiful family in Hingham, welcoming five children, losing one early, their daughter June. 

After her husband George’s tragic passing in 1974, Valerie eventually joined the workforce as a single mother of four. This was a life-changing event and transformed her role in the family. She had a fulfilling career at State Street where she worked her way up to a Mutual Fund Auditor, and was there for 15 years before retiring. She was determined and devoted to her family. She believed deeply in the power of learning and dedicated herself to ensuring her children had every opportunity to thrive academically. She was committed to her work and put her four children through college and also helped her grandchildren with their tuition expenses. 

Valerie had a love for classical music, especially Bach and Beethoven, and was a frequent patron of the Boston Symphony and Opera House. With her linguistic talents, she tutored French at Hingham High School, and chaperoned field trips for the French club.

Valerie was ahead of her time in understanding the benefits of exercise and good nutrition. It was essential not only for her well-being but also for her role as a mother and eventually as a role model for her children. She walked daily and cheerfully greeted her Hingham neighbors along the way, and she especially loved walking Nantasket Beach, enjoying the ocean air. In the summer months she would pile the neighborhood children in her car and take them all to the beach. 

Valerie was a radiant presence characterized by her bright intellect. She was well read and subscribed to the Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, and The Economist, and was a familiar face at the Hingham Public Library. She was known for speaking her mind, sometimes to a fault. She resided in Hingham for over 60 years, and loved the charm and beauty of the town, plus its close proximity to the ocean. 

Though her life was full of joys, Valerie also endured immense loss. The death of her beloved husband, her young daughter, and two sons was more than most could bear. Yet through these unimaginable sorrows, Valerie remained a pillar of strength, and grace.

Valerie’s legacy is one of resilience, and the transformative power of learning. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a cherished grandmother who gave her family everything she could. 

Beloved wife of 22 years to the late George Melikian. Devoted mother to Marc G. Melikian and his wife Shelley L. Gervais of Hingham, Joy V. Clark and her husband Albert E. Clark of Hingham, and the late June, George, and Gregg Melikian. Loving sister to Ida Avakian of Orange, CT, and Maude McKee of Newton, and the late Mihran Barooshian, and Virginia Mitchell. Adoring grandmother to Leyah R. Melikian and Alexandra J. Clark. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Graveside Service on Saturday, March 15th, 2025, at 11 AM in Hingham Centre Cemetery, which would have marked her 100th birthday, followed by a Celebration of Life gathering at 23 School Street. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Valerie may be made to Alzheimer's Assn., MA Chapter, 320 Nevada St, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460.