Anita C. (Chaputian) Vartanian

Anita (Chaputian) Vartanian, died peacefully on November 29, 2021.  She was 91 years old and was born February 12, 1930 in New York City.  Family members along with her loving friends and caregivers kept her company and gave her comfort during her final days and hours.  Anita was the daughter of Henry and Margaret (Zadigian) Chaputian.  She is survived by loving family members, her children, grandchildren and their families: Hugh Vartanian (wife Luann Colombo, daughter Delaney Kay Vartanian and husband Kevin Ford), April Vartanian, Byron Vartanian, Margaret Harris and Tom Harris (children Millie Sophia Harris and Andrew Vartan Harris).  Anita was pre-deceased by her parents, her brother Henry (Hank) Chaputian, Jr., husband Vartan Vartanian, grandson Douglas Matthew Vartanian and sister-in-law Marie Vartanian.  Anita cared deeply for her many family members and friends with whom she remained closely connected throughout her life.

Anita was born and raised in New York City.  She attended Columbia University Teacher's College, graduating in 1956 with a BA in Sociology and Psychology. She married Vartan (Bob) in 1955 and remained in NY until they moved to Framingham, MA, where they started their family. In the early ‘60’s, they moved to Barrington, RI, and then to Winchester, MA, where she was an active member of the League of Women Voters and the First Congregational Church as well as St. James Armenian Church in Watertown.  While raising her family, Anita attended Northeastern University, earning a Master’s Degree in Education.

In 1976, the family returned to Rhode Island.  After finally settling back in Barrington, Anita pursued a rewarding career as a guidance counselor at Brown University and as an Associate Professor of English at Johnson and Wales University.  She also served as a Docent at the RISD Museum and an educational tour guide for the Newport Preservation Society.  Anita loved classical music and opera. She played the piano and was an accomplished soprano, singing in many church and community choirs including Fort George Presbyterian Church in Washington Heights and The Riverside Church in Manhattan, the RI Civic Chorale and the Bristol Community Chorus.  After joining Barrington United Methodist Church in the 90’s, Anita sang as a choir member and a soloist to the delight of her church family and fellow congregants. In addition to singing her many favorite hymns, she enjoyed reciting poetry and reading the Bible.

Devoted and unwavering in her Christian faith, Anita was a steward of love, forgiveness and generosity throughout her life.  She will always be remembered for her kind and loving spirit, her unconditional love and motivation to help others, especially those in need. She was beloved by her family and many dear friends, all of whom will miss her presence while remembering her in their hearts.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, December 11th from 4-7 PM at the Smith-Mason funeral home at 398 Willett Ave. in Riverside, RI 02915.

There will be a memorial service on Sunday, December 12th at 2PM at the Barrington United Methodist Church, 230 Washington Rd., Barrington, RI 02806. In-person attendance will be limited by Covid-related protocols.  The service will be shared via Zoom meeting (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83458200347).

Additional visiting hours will be held at the Vander Plaat funeral home at 111 South Farview Ave., Paramus, NJ (www.vanderplaat.com) from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday December 18th.  Following this, Anita will be interred with her parents and brother at the George Washington Park cemetery in Paramus, New Jersey.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Barrington United Methodist Church http://bumcri.org/ 230 Washington Rd., Barrington, RI 02806, St. Vartanantz  Armenian Church 402 Broadway, Providence 02909 or the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church http://stsahmes.org/  40 Common St. Providence, RI, 02908.