Dr. & Mrs. Avedian

This is a notice of passing for both Monica Hairapetian Avedian (January 30, 2016 at the age of 90 from complications related to Dementia); and Victor V. Avedian, M.D. (September 6, 2016 at the age of 92 from complications related to Alzheimer’s Disease). They were husband and wife for 65 years. At their passing, both were surrounded by family and friends.

Monica was born on December 25, 1925 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (Russia) and Victor was born on July 1, 1924 in Malayer, Iran. They were both of Armenian descent.

Monica’s family fled Russia in 1929 when she was 4 years old to Tehran, Iran. Her father was a flour mill owner in Russia and had to start his business again in Tehran. She was one of 4 surviving children. Victor’s family were farmers in Malayer and were one of the first exporters of dried goods to other countries in the Middle East. Victor was one of 6 surviving children.

Victor and Monica met at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 1948. Both were medical students. They both achieved their goal in 1950. Monica wanted to further her education in America – she wanted the freedom to choose what kind of medicine she wanted to practice versus what the government chose for her. She was accepted in to Columbia Medical School. Upon hearing of her plans and also his desire to better his education, Victor applied to New York University Medical School and was accepted. They were married on January 23, 1951 and one week later were on the Queen Mary heading to New York. Victor completed his studies and joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Monica began caring for their new family.

Victor and Monica eventually were transferred to Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California in 1959. Victor left active duty and went into the reserves in 1960. He and Monica opened his private medical practice in Oceanside at Mesa Drive. Victor was a General and Vascular Surgeon. Monica and Victor built his practice together that spanned 45 years and cared for 4 generations of North County San Diegans. Victor was the third surgeon in the North County area and the first surgeon to operate at Tri City Hospital’s operating room when it opened over 50 years ago. Victor and Monica were very involved in the Las Medicas Foundation and the medical community until their 70’s. Victor retired from practicing medicine in 2005 at the age of 80.

Victor and Monica’s desire to “eat up the world” and their passion for medicine led them to America, the land of freedom and opportunity. They came here young and hungry, armed only with their education, strong work ethic and love for each other. They sacrificed so much to build their lives together. Their success was driven by their love for medicine and for saving lives, together.

Victor and Monica are survived by their 3 children and 3 grandchildren with whom they deeply loved.

A memorial service will be held for Victor and Monica at Mira Mar National Cemetery on November 25, 2016 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, we are requesting that donations be made to the San Diego Alzheimer’s Association. Their website is www.alzsandiego.org. Alzheimer’s/Dementia is a terrible “slow death” disease. Please donate to help stop its catastrophic