Salpi G. Kassabian

As a woman who valued kindness above all else, Salpi Kassbain continued carrying this trait with her till the day she died on May 13th, 2021. Born November 30, 1927, Salpi grew up in Baghdad, Iraq, to a loving family with whom she was tasked with taking care of. She never had a full education, only going to the 8th grade in school because she had to drop out to continue to take care of her relatives. Though, this never slowed down her ambition when it came to later in her life. Spending the majority of her life in Baghdad, Salpi’s community was very tight knit and she was always happy to be entertaining and spending time with others. She would take care of other family’s children and even did some of the towns’ girl’s hair from time to time. Helping people was something that Salpi prided herself on. She was one of the very few people who never said no to anyone, continuing to make sure everyone around her was pleased. Salpi grew up a proud Armenian, who was never afraid to let her heritage show. Whether it was back in Iraq or in the United States, she was always involved in the Armenian community. Part of being an Armenian to her was following Christ through her entire life. She was a devout Armenian Christian. In her early life, she attended church as often and she could, but even as she got older, she would watch services on TV. Till her last breath, she was not scared because she knew Christ would guide her home. In 2005, Salpi Kassbian permanently became a United States citizen, joining her sister in the states. At this point in her life, there was very little family left over for her in Baghdad and with war raging in Iraq, she and her brother thought it would be best for them to join relatives in the US. This would become a choice that Salpi would forever appreciate because she got to live out the rest of her life constantly surrounded by family. Salpi lived most of her life in the states with her sister Sona Tchobanian. The two sisters kept each other company for many years, going out to breakfasts together or hair appointments. She is survived by her sister Sona, and many nieces and nephews. Also, she was preceded in death by brothers Dickran Kassabian and Garabed Kassabian. She will always be remembered for the kindness she gave and the love that she shared for her family.