Lia Vartanian, 49, of Nyack, NY, passed peacefully with her loving fiancé by her side at the Joe Raso Hospice Residence in New City, NY, on April 19, 2020.
Lia had a zest for life and although her battle with cancer was long and difficult, she fought hard to make the most of every moment of every day.
Lia was born in Princeton, NJ, to Raymond and Sarah Vartanian.
Lia is survived by her fiancé, Joe Remy Dolinsky; sisters, Amanda Vartanian, Jessica Vartanian-Kreider (Robert Kreider), Hilary Vartanian (Andy Borinstein); niece, Delilah Kreider; nephew; Alex Borinstein, step-mother, Genevieve Huhn (Stephen Huhn); aunts, Elissa Schoelank and Martha Feehan; cousins, Suzanne Petix (Robert Petix) and Darren King, along with numerous treasured friends.
Lia attended high school at The American School in Japan (1989). She earned her BA from Stony Brook University in Long Island, NY (1993), she was a member of the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority and ultimately earned her master’s degree in education from St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, NY (2004).
Lia was passionate about many things, but closest to her heart was her over-20 year career as a 7th grade English teacher with the Clarkstown Central School District. She leaves a legacy in the lives of thousands of students, passing on her enthusiasm for learning, creative writing, literature and poetry.
She enjoyed traveling, listening to music (especially James Taylor), yoga, a good glass of wine and quality time with her friends and family. Lia also found great joy in just being home with Remy and their two dogs, Twyla and BeeGee. She loved deeply, was a devoted daughter, sister, friend and partner.
Lia has left an indelible mark on the hearts and lives of all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.” Lia has left her loved ones with so many memories of a life well lived.
A celebration of life announcement will be made at a later date.
Condolences can be sent to: 149 High Avenue, Nyack, New York 10960.
To make a donation in Lia’s memory; contributions can be made to Literacy Volunteers of America, 90 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003.
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