Mrs. Claire Palvetzian

It is with great sadness that the family of Claire Palvetzian announce her passing on Thursday, February 18, 2010, after a courageous struggle with cancer. Beloved wife of the late George Palvetzian (1995), she is survived by her five children, Van, Tanta, Mark, Geoffrey, and John; 11 grandchildren; and loving sister of the late Marie Sarian (2010), the late Lucie Bieder (2004), remaining siblings Reine Hayalian and Andre Kechikian.

Born on the Agean Sea to Armenian parents, leaving southern Turkey, in transit to Istambul, Claire was born and christened “Tanta” by the ferry ship’s captain. Following a brief stay in Turkey, the family immigrated to Paris, France. During W.W. 11, George, a Canadian soldier from Preston, Ontario, went to fight in Europe and was requested by friends to find her family. In April of 1947, Claire left Paris to cross the Atlantic on the Queen Mary in order to marry George and start her new life in Canada.

She will be missed dearly by her family and close friends. “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” (Albert Einstein)

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010 at Barthel Funeral Home, at 566 Queenston Road, Cambridge, from 7 - 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 24th at Barthel’s at 11:00 a.m.