In Memoriam: Sirvart Hovnanian(1926-2024)
With the deepest sorrow, the Eastern Diocese mourns the passing ofMrs. Sirvart Hovnanian, beloved wife of the late Kevork Hovnanian, who passed away peacefully on January 14, surrounded by her family.
In nearly a century of life, Mrs. Hovnanian left a profound and meaningful impression on the world, on the Armenian Church community, and most especially on her family. With her late husband Kevork, Sirvart led a life of accomplishment and benefaction that fortified numerous good causes, and touched the lives of countless individuals. Everything they did they accomplished together, as true partners, and their life together stands as an enduring testament to the tenderness of the Christian sacrament of marriage.
It was as partners that Mr. and Mrs. Hovnanian became a force for progress, compassion, and dignity, wherever they directed their hands and hearts. Kevork held his wife in the greatest esteem, seeking her advice, following her guidance, and finding in Sirvart the inspiration for a life of heroic charitable outreach, and leadership in industry, the Armenian Church, and the worldwide aspiration of our people.
Among the causes they took up was the Eastern Diocese’s Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), which Kevork founded and led for nearly two decades; and the FAR Children’s Center, which Sirvart served as Honorary Chair, as a tribute to the work of her husband after he passed away in 2009.
On January 19, 2024, the Hovnanian family held a private funeral at St. Stepanos Church in Elberon, New Jersey. There, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan offered a eulogy for the late Mrs. Hovnanian.
“Today, as we contemplate the end of Sirvart’s life, we also acknowledge that her role as an inspirational force hasnotended,” Bishop Mesrop said. “Today we remember Sirvart Hovnanian for her graceful qualities; for her partnership in a matchless legacy of good works; for her role as matriarch of a wonderful family. Everyone who knew Sirvart will carry those memories, and be inspired by them, for the rest of their lives. In the meantime, my deepest condolences go to her beloved family and friends. May our Lord grant peace to His daughter Sirvart Hovnanian, and grant you all consolation in the days to come.”
Preparations are currently being made for a 40th-day memorial service (karasoonk) to be held at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York City. We will keep our Diocesan leadership informed about arrangements as these develop.
In the meantime, the family asks that in-lieu-of-flowers donations may be made to one of the following causes (click the respective links, and please note “In Memory of Sirvart Hovnanian” in the memo line):
- Riverview Medical Center (Department of Nursing)
- K Hovnanian Childrens Hospital
- Columbia Medical School (Cardiology Department)
- Fund for Armenian Relief
- St. Stepanos Armenian Church: 1184 Ocean Avenue, Elberon, NJ 07740 (Designate: Endowment Trust Fund)
May our risen Lord bless the soul of Sirvart Hovnanian, and remember her on the day of His judgment. And may He comfort the hearts of the Hovnanian family at this time.
An obituary prepared by the family appears below.
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Sirvart (Emily) Hovnanian (1926-2024)
Sirvart (Emily) Hovnanian, loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great grandmother, died peacefully surrounded by her family on January 14, 2024. Born in 1926 to Nevart and Ardashes Megerdichian, she is survived by her five children and their spouses, thirteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and a brother.
Sirvart married Kevork S. Hovnanian in 1948. Together with her husband they were forced to leave the Middle East in 1959 under very difficult circ*mstances. Having family in the United States, they emigrated and settled in New Jersey, where Kevork founded one of the country’s largest publicly traded homebuilding companies.
As the matriarch of the K. Hovnanian family, in her quiet but strong way, Sirvart raised a family of five children and was the staunch supporter of her husband in all of his successful endeavors. She was a graceful, gracious and elegant woman with profound wisdom, an immeasurably kind heart and deep faith. Her love for her family was paramount. She gathered everyone home for every holiday and never missed a birthday, usually spending special time with the young ones by taking them to lunch and the toy store on their big day.
Always full of wit, she lived life to the fullest, surrounding herself with family and friends. She was an avid reader and a great cook, spoke several languages, played backgammon and croquet, and most of all loved to travel.
Kevork and Sirvart Hovnanian’s beneficence and philanthropic deeds were admirable. To name just some of their generous accomplishments, they established the K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital in New Jersey, the Emergency Care Center at Riverview Medical Center and the Cardiology Floor at Columbia Presbyterian New York Hospital.
They also supported many Armenian causes. They founded the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) following the 1988 earthquake in that country, and they constructed and were the benefactors of St. Stepanos Armenian Church in Elberon, NJ.
Sirvart was a legend in her own right in every respect, and became a paragon to emulate for all who knew her. She will fondly remain in the hearts and memories of all those whose lives she touched.
