ALICE SOLAKIAN

Alice Solakian passed away December 22, 2021, in her apartment in Novi, Michigan. Born on May 19, 1930, she was the daughter of Alexan and Azniv (nee Margosian) Kachadourian. Growing up in the great Armenian community of Delray, Alice was very close to her family of five sisters, especially because of her father’s passing when Alice was only six years old. She helped her mother but was involved within the AYF community and around the church, as well. An exceptionally talented girl, Alice learned how to sew. The dresses she designed and sewed were beautiful. Her mother bought her a sewing machine when Alice was a teenager. By the time she became a senior in Southwestern High School, her teacher relied on Alice to help teach the other students in the sewing class. Her teacher even offered to take Alice to Hollywood to further her opportunities in Couture fashion designing.  After graduation, being so close to her family, Alice decided to stay in Detroit and secured a position of clothing alterations in Kline’s Department Store.

 Meanwhile, since age sixteen, she had developed a close friendship with Vahan Solakian. He used to walk her home from school, and they enjoyed each other’s company. It was a happy, pleasant friendship which naturally led to their marriage in 1951. Notably, Alice’s magnificent sewing had developed to higher levels, and she designed and sewed her own bridal gown along with her bridesmaids’ dresses for the wedding. She was so deeply involved and busy in finishing them on the day of her wedding, that everyone was already in church waiting for her late arrival!

The happy couple formed their own family when they were blessed with the birth of their children. She strictly followed her concern of everything for her kids. She and Vahan took them on numerous trips, visiting most of the USA. The annual AYF Olympics, where hundreds of friendships were developed, opened up untold horizons for them.

An incredible cook, back home Alice enjoyed preparing for the family gatherings. Taking turns with her sisters, they celebrated all of the Holidays together – Easter, Mothers’ Day, 4th of July, Birthdays, etc., to the end of the year for Christmas and New Years. By that time, the grandchildren were born, and Alice had even more kids to love.

FAMILY MEMBERS

Her beloved husband, the late Vahan Solakian; Dearest children, Christopher (Michele Elias) Solakian, The late Gary (Cheryl) Solakian, Laura (Stephen) McKenery; Cherished grandchildren, Nicole Solakian, Alison McKenery, Matthew (Jennifer) Wilgus, David McKenery, Michael (John Love) McKenery; Loving great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Zachary, Graham, and Jillian Wilgus, James Kristopher McKenery-Love; Devoted late parents, Alexan & Azniv Kachadourian; Dedicated sisters, Violet (the late Henry Dirasian and the late Martin) Madvin, The late Mary (the late Edward) Astourian, Florence (Dr. Charles) Karibian, Dorothy Kachadourian, The late Josephine (John) Arpajian; Dear brother-in-law, the late Vasgan (Rose) Solakian; Precious Nieces and nephews, Mark Dirasian, the late Diane (Aaron) Warner, Patricia Dirasian, The late Erica (Craig) Mason, Karla (Mike) Darraugh, Dana Karibian, Lisa Arpajian, Scott and Marc Solakian; and many relatives and close friends

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

The family will receive friends on December 27, 2021, Monday at 1:00 PM until the time of funeral service at 2:00 PM in St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, 19300 Ford Road, Dearborn, MI 48128

MEMORIAL DONATIONS

The family suggests that memorial donations be sent to St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church.

CONDOLENCES

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FLORISTS

Please deliver floral arrangements directly to the church on Monday before 12 Noon.

Thank You 

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