Shenorig Ishkanian

Shenorig "Grace" Ishkanian, beloved sister, aunt, and great aunt, died peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on January 26, 2021 at the age of 96. Born May 7, 1924 she was the daughter of the late Herand and Ardemis (Missirlian) Ishkanian.

Grace grew up in Lynn, Massachusetts and was a graduate of Lynn English High School. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Boston University Liberal Arts and was awarded a Phi Beta key, the highest academic honor. Following graduation, Grace worked as an export manager for eight years at Tracerlab, Inc. where she was in charge of exporting isotopes to European companies. Grace was an avid traveler and spent a year living in Italy before returning to the U.S. to be a sales agent for Air France for 10 years. She was an incredible linguist and was proficient in French, Italian, Spanish, and Armenian.

Grace spent her last 25 years before retiring as a reading specialist in Lynn Public Schools. She had a passion for the arts and sang with the Greater Lynn Concert Singers for over 20 years and was a member of the Lynn Arts and Crafts Society where she honed her artistic abilities as a painter. Grace was also known as a fierce advocate for animals who never hesitated to open her heart and home to a stray. She will be missed for her gentle nature and kind soul. Above all, Grace will be remembered as an incredibly generous and exceptionally caring sister, aunt, and friend.

Grace is survived by her brother Gerald Ishkanian of Wakefield; her nieces Susan Ishkanian and Nancy Ishkanian; nephews Robert Ishkanian, Stephen Ishkanian, and Peter Ishkanian; and many great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. Grace is preceded in death by her brother Sarkis Ishkanian and sister Mary Ishkanian.

Due to COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions, funeral services will be private. Arrangements are in the care of the McDonald Funeral Home, Wakefield.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Grace's memory may be made to the Joslin Diabetes Center, 1 Joslin Pl, Boston, MA 02215.