FAIR LAWN, N.J. — Elsie S. (née Apelian) Donigian of Fair Lawn, passed away on August 19, 2003 at age 92. Elsie was the beloved wife of the late Harry Donigian, and the loving mother of David and Jeremiah Donigian.
“Elsie was a long-time member of the St. Leon Women’s Guild,” says Lucy Chagachbanian, one of her close friends of many years. “She was selfless in her commitment and dedication to our church, a shining example, and someone who never let her disabilities or handicap keep her from reaching out to others. She was not only an amazing cook and baker, but a generous and caring human being and teacher. In 1980, the St. Leon Women’s Guild, under Elsie’s chairmanship, hosted the May Fellowship Day sponsored by Church Women United — the theme for the day was, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me,’ (Isaiah 61:1).”
“Elsie was a respected Sunday School teacher and Chairman of the St. Leon Women’s Guild Devotional Committee that blazed the way for new member activities and retreats in the 1980s. She often multiplied this famous potato kufteh recipe to feed over 150 parishioners at our luncheons and dinners. She insisted that you must use olive oil in this recipe to obtain the best results and taste.”
“From the beginning, exceptionally devoted women like Elsie have worn many hats in the St. Leon Women’s Guild. They sing in the choir, prepare the ‘mahs’ and maintain the altar cloths and vestments, teach in the Sunday and Armenian schools, cook for annual bazaars, ‘hantesses,’ and picnics, and generally support all aspects of our parish life. The St. Leon parish history is so intertwined into the history of its women that it is, at times, a dilemma to unravel parish events from the Women’s Guild events,” says Ruth Bedevian.*
“Elsie’s son David passed away a few years ago. He shared a super easy flan recipe that is foolproof and that always is a hit with guests and family. He inherited Elsie’s culinary talents and abilities. Most importantly, Elsie initiated the first outreach program to the wider community by preparing meals for the homeless men and their families in Paterson at the St. Paul’s Church shelter. She was an inspiration to everyone who knew or encountered her. One day, two Jehovah witnesses knocked on her door. Rather than turn them away, Elsie seized the opportunity and invited them into her home for refreshments. She then gave them testimony, revealing the long history of the Armenian Church, and enlightening them that Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD. She was a proud, devoted Armenian wife, mother and grandmother, and she is missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.”
