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photo : Alidz Djebedjian-Aghbabian / D.R.
Obituary: Alidz Jebejian Agbabian
by Contributor
in In Memoriam
ALIDZ JEBEJIAN AGBABIAN
Alidz Jebejian Agbabian was born in Aleppo, Syria in 1945 and raised in Beirut, Lebanon. She received her elementary and secondary education at the Armenian Evangelical Central High School in Beirut. In 1964, she moved to Armenia to pursue her university education, later graduating from Yerevan State University’s Department of Philology. She majored in Russian language and Literature.
Returning to Beirut in 1970, Alidz became involved in education and teaching. She took part in cultural activities within the Armenian community in Beirut and prepared educational-cultural programs that were broadcasted through the “Armenian Hour” on the Lebanese National Radio. During this time, she assisted her uncle, Dr. Robert Jebejian, in preparing the “who’s who” directory for the Armenian diaspora.
In 1975, Alidz emigrated to Los Angeles, California, where she married Hrant Agbabian. They were blessed with two children, Ari and Areni. During this time, Alidz found her passion in storytelling. She established herself as a professional storyteller and performed all over Southern California within public schools and libraries, Armenian schools, cultural associations, festivals, and museums, such as the Skirball Center and the Getty Museum. Her focus was on narrating and teaching Mediterranean and Armenian ethnographic and socio-cultural traditions.
Alidz was a teacher of religion and Armenian culture at Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School for 13 years. Numerous students from over the years still remember her creative way of engaging the classroom, especially with puppets.
Through her publishing house, “Dziludzar,” she wrote and published numerous books for children in Armenian and English. Many of her books were retellings of Armenian folktales and legends. Titles included, “Tell Me Who Your Friend is” and “Fire & Water, Sister & Brother.” The most intriguing book however was a totally original creation called “Dzalabadig,” which told the story of Armenian orphans in Aleppo after the Genocide. The book was unique in that it also contained very rare and valuable photos of said orphans from her Uncle Robert’s personal library.
Alidz departed from her earthly life on Monday, April 6, 2025, after a long struggle with severe illness. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, and sister who tirelessly shared her love and provided her assistance and support to her family; and her professional work exposed many children, teens and adults to the transformative power of narration and storytelling.
A memorial service has been held at the United Armenian Congregational Church on Friday, May 30 at 11 a.m.
source : Asbarez
photo : Asbarez / D.R.
