Sona G. Tchobanian

Sona Tchobanian (Kassabian) passed away February 8th, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was born September 30th, 1929, in Baghdad, Iraq; a direct descendent of Armenian genocide survivors. She always said from a young age she dreamed of coming to America. In 1963, she immigrated to the United States becoming a citizen in 1970. She first lived with family in New Jersey and attended fashion design school in New York. While in America, she met and married fellow Armenian, Kevork Tchobanian and moved to Toledo, Ohio. She began her career as a seamstress working for different local dress shops as well as having her own customers she sewed for. Sitting at her sewing machine, she improved her English by listening to daytime TV and getting involved at her children’s schools. She was well known throughout the community for her expert sewing skills and prided herself on her lifelong work as a seamstress. She had a love for her customers and her co-workers at Sophia Lustig’s; spending much of her time sewing until she physically couldn’t.

She was actively involved in the Toledo Armenian Association with strong ties to her Armenian heritage and faith. Sona loved to cook traditional Armenian food and the occasional pastry; she always stated that her recipes were all in her mind. She would often bring her pastries to her children’s school fundraisers; they were the first items to sell out. She also enjoyed classical music, often attending the Toledo Symphony as well as traditional Armenian music and dancing.

Over the years, she loved going to breakfast every Saturday morning at Rudy’s Hot Dog and playing solitaire with her cards. One of her greatest loves was spending time with her grandchildren, being there to help them in any way possible. She always encouraged them to do their best. Family and friends were the most important things to her. Up until her final moments, she was always looking out for those around her, making sure that they were taken care of. Her kindness, caring and compassion were felt by many; she made a lasting impression on countless lives. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Kevork, siblings, Dikran, Salpi, and Garabet Kassabian. She leaves behind her children Seta (Rodney) and Dickran (Heather), granddaughters, Taleen and Ani, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends will be received February 22nd, 2025 at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave beginning at 9:30am with the funeral service at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Dearborn MI.