MARIE M. MAMASSIAN

Marie M. Mamassian passed away peacefully on November 9th, 2018 with her family by her side. Born in Highland Park, Michigan, she was the daughter of Arshag and Isgouhi (Barsamian) Topalian. She was a loving younger sister to her brothers, Jon and Jack. Her father worked 40 years in the Ford Motor Foundry, also known as the Rouge Plant. Her mother and father raised her and her two brothers in a loving Armenian family environment. As a young girl, Marie loved music and began playing piano and violin. She also loved to dance and sing. At age 15, Marie worked a summer job as a graphic illustrator at Simon Michaelson Advertising Agency, earning $85 a month. In 1945, she graduated from Detroit Cooley High School and then began utilizing her clerical skills. She was proficient in shorthand, typing, and writing. Whenever we would be driving near downtown Detroit, she would often point out that she worked at the Fisher Building. My brothers and I were amazed that our mother worked in such a tall building. In 1954, Marie met Berj H. Mamassian at a church group dance. They married in the fall of 1955, where she began her role as a loving and dedicated homemaker and mother to her three sons, Darwin, Mark, and Jeffrey. As her family grew older, it allowed her to reconnect with her passion for drawing. In the late 1960s, Marie began to learn oil panting and created many beautiful paintings that allowed her to express the beauty within her soul. Much of what Marie did in life was self-taught. Although she had many talents, she had a never-ending desire to want to learn new skills throughout her life. She was also a perfectionist in whatever she did. Also, in the late 1960s, Marie worked part-time as a writer for the Southfield Sun, a local suburban newspaper. She was also involved at St. John's Armenian Church, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and was the recording secretary for the Women's Guild. People were amazed at her shorthand skills, as it allowed her to capture meeting notes in great detail. In 1978, her husband passed away and she found herself caring for her three boys, and later, her aging mother. However, she made the time to take college classes at Oakland Community College where she earned all As. In the mid-1980s, Marie obtained her real estate license and began her long career as a realtor. Although she was in the business of selling homes for people, it was the interaction with people that fueled her passion. Although Marie had many passions in life, her biggest love was by far her family. Although she had many challenges in her life, she never let them overshadow her love for her children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends. As she aged in life, she had moved to independent and then assisted living. No matter where she resided, her caregivers, fellow residents, and friends felt the same about Marie. She was a happy, sincere, life loving, kind, and caring person that found great joy in even the smallest things. May her glowing soul be alive in all that knew and loved her.VISITINGTuesday 5pm to 8pm with 7:30 Dan Gark Prayers in St. John Armenian Church, 22001 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI 48075FUNERALWednesday 11am in the churchThe family will also receive friends in the church on Wednesday from 10am until time of Funeral Service at 11amInterment in Woodlawn CemeteryMEMORIAL DONATIONSThe family suggests Memorial Donations be sent to either St John Armenian Church, or Beaumont Hospice (Royal Oak)CondolencesClick "Share a Memory" and leave a remembrance/condolence for the family and friends to see. THANK YOU

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