June 28, 1933 – May 2, 2026
Arleen S. (Noorigian) Bazarian, of Reading, formerly of Somerville, age 92, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026. Loved eldest child of the late Avedis Noorigian and Pearl (Samourian) Noorigian. Beloved wife of the late Joseph M. Bazarian of Reading. Arleen was the devoted and loving mother of David J. Bazarian and his wife Dianne of Brockton, Sharon A. Bazarian and her husband James E. McDermott of Boston, and Charlene S. Bazarian-Fruehauf and her husband Erwin R. Fruehauf of Reading. She poured her whole heart into her family and was their biggest cheerleader, confidante, and source of unconditional love. She was a proud and adoring grandmother to Jonathan and Matthew Bazarian, Sarah, Julie and Amy McDermott, and Erik, Bradley, and Chase Fruehauf. Arleen lived with Charlene, Erwin, Erik, Bradley, and Chase for many years, and their daily love and presence brought her tremendous joy and comfort. Arleen was the cherished sister of the late Marilyn P. (Noorigian) Jeknavorian of Reading, Robert A. Noorigian, Sr. of Winchester and his wife Jennifer DiBenedetto, and the late Robert N. Noorigian of Somerville. She also leaves behind her loving nieces, Karen M. Jeknavorian and Brenda D. Jeknavorian, both of Reading, with whom she shared an especially close and cherished bond, and her nephew Robert A. Noorigian of Tyngsborough, along with the late Robin Noorigian of Winchester. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren.
Arleen graduated from Somerville High School and later in life went on to earn a degree in Fashion Merchandising from Middlesex Community College. At a time when it was far less common for women to do so, she was incredibly business-savvy and fiercely independent. She was especially proud of her successful bridal shop, Arleen’s Bridals, which she owned and operated in Medford for many years. She came from a long line of talented dressmakers, and that love of sewing, fabric, and design stayed with her throughout her life. Arleen could be found enjoying many evenings sewing with her mother and later in life sharing sewing and fabric tips with those she loved. Even after closing her bridal shop, Arleen’s ambition and drive to succeed led her to continue what was already an impressive resume into a remarkable career in sales for many years, selling everything from cars and appliances to fine jewelry. It was her love of engaging with all people and her skilled storytelling that led her to great success in sales.
From a young age, Arleen had a thirst for knowledge and inquisitive mind. Family was everything to Arleen, and it was important to her to impart her knowledge, the life lessons she had learned, and the words of wisdom that were her guiding compass throughout her life to her family. She wanted to ensure that her family members were able to stand strong and live life independently and successfully as she had.
Arleen cherished family life and created countless joyful memories. When her children were younger, together with her sister Marilyn and her beloved nieces Karen and Brenda, they filled their children’s growing-up years with weekend adventures, vacations, and simple outings, always making sure everyone was included and that laughter was part of the plan. Those shared experiences remained some of the most treasured moments in the family’s hearts. In her later years, Arleen was especially close to her grandsons Erik, Bradley, and Chase, whom she helped raise and lovingly called “her kids.” The three boys were the light of her life, and she was deeply proud to be part of their everyday world. In recent years, she also shared many special dinners and cherished moments with her brother Robert and his wife Jennifer, creating even more beautiful family memories together.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Douglass, Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn Street, Reading, MA 01867. A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint James Armenian Church 465 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA. Interment will follow immediately at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
In memory of Arleen, donations may be made to:
Saint James Armenian Church
465 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Online donations: www.stjameswatertown.org/support-us
Or in appreciation of the outstanding care they provided Arleen in her final days:
The Jeffrey and Susan Brudnick Center for Living
c/o Chelsea Jewish Charitable Foundation
240 Lynnfield Street, Peabody, MA 01960
Attention: Shayna Morris
Online donations: www.chelseajewish.org/donate
