Born in Arlington, Massachusetts to Genevieve and Jacob Avakian, she moved to New Jersey in 1959 and married John Nakashian. They resided in Livingston before moving to Union to raise their family. She resided in Morris Plains for several years and most recently with her daughter in Scotch Plains.

Mrs. Nakashian was a longtime parishioner of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Livingston, where she served as secretary for many years.

Mrs. Nakashian is predeceased by her husband, John Nakashian. She will be remembered by her sons, John Nakashian and Scott Nakashian and his wife, Sara; and her daughter, Alyssa and her partner Richard Dicosta. She had five grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She is also predeceased by her sisters, Alice Hovsepian and her husband, Raymond; Irene Slater and her husband, Gordon; and brother, LeoAvakian and his wife, BettyAnn.

A viewing was held at Quinn Hopping on Wednesday, April 12. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 13, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, with interment to follow at Hollywood Memorial Park, Union.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making donations in her name to St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church Endowment Fund, 200 West Mt. PleasantAvenue, Livingston, NJ or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or the Wounded Warrior Foundation.