January 23, 2013
Graceffa, Angelle
Angelle was born on October 27, 1920 in Harput, Armenia (Turkey), the third child of Sarkis B. Minasian and Flora (Kevorkian) Minasian. In 1922, during the Turkish Massacres, her father was able to bring his wife and three children by ocean voyage to the Boston area. Her fourth and youngest sibling, Florence, was born in
Somerville. Ann is predeceased by her brother, Paul and her older sister, Alyce E. Torosian. Her youngest sister, Florence Muktarian, lives in Fresno, CA.
Angelle went to Belmont schools and graduated from Belmont Hight School where she excelled in art and received numerous awards. She was a pupil of Professor Benedictis at the Museum School of Art. She subsequently worked as top airbrush artist at Bachrach Studios (Newton, MA) for eight years, which includes 2 1/2 years during her marriage.
She married Philip A. Graceffa in 1943 in Cambridge, MA where her first daughter, Miriam, was born. Her second daughter, Angelle E., was born in 1966 and raised in Norwood. Philip died in 1980. Angelle then joined the Norwood Art Association, serving as Treasurer for many years. Her spectacular art work (both in pastels and watercolor) received numerous awards at exhibits and were featured at various libraries and boutiques in the area.
Angelle was a self-taught pianist, and an accomplished dressmaker, cook and baker. Her apple pies, tortes, jelly rolls and cheescakes were enjoyed by numerous friends and families over many years. She continued her art work and her baking well into her eighties. Angelle prided herself on being informed about the world and being well-read. She had definite opionions regarding politics, movies and the arts and loved to share ideas and knowledge. She was witty and intelligent and loved to tell a good story. Angelle’s family was the center of her life and she will be loved and remembered by all. Funeral Services are prive. In lieu of flowers donations to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701 would be appreciated.
Comments(1)
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your mother. The obituary was a wonderful and fitting remembrance for such an accomplished and talented woman. It’s unfortunate that the fleeting years and daily responsibilities don’t provide more opportunities to become more involved with each other’s lives. After reading Angelle’s remembrance, I found myself saddened by not having had the opportunity, as the years went by, to have been more of a part of her wonderful and family-oriented life.