Sylvia Choolokian passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Niagara Falls, New York to the parents of Vahan and Filiane Kishmoian who survived the Armenian Genocide, perpetuated by the Ottoman Turkish Government prior to coming to the United States. She was raised in Niagara Falls, and lived on the east side among many dear families that became a caring and loving community. This was a sentimental memory she spoke of in her growing years
Sylvia graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1951 and then pursued her well-chosen career and education. She attended Canisius College and Sisters of Charity School of Nursing where she earned her degree. She began her nursing career at Memorial Medical center in 1954, as a surgical nurse for twenty years. As quoted by many of her professional peers, Sylvia’s reputation illuminated as an excellent Nurse throughout the city. She also worked for the Board of Education for several years.
Sylvia married her beloved husband, Albert Choolokian at Our Lady of Lebanon church in Niagara Falls in 1956. They shared more than fifty years together. Both of them were very compatible and loved adventure. They traveled throughout Europe extensively and visited France, Greece, Italy, Russia and their favorite homeland Armenia twice. They also toured the United States. This is what they pronounced as their rejuvenated Golden years.
Sylvia life was centered around her two beautiful and accomplished children, Krista Choolokian-Swann and Glenn Choolokian. She was very proud of their way of life and their beautiful families, which brought great love, joy and magic to her life. Sylvia was thankful for her four precious grandchildren and called them her special gifts from God. The depth of her love, generosity and knowledge could not be measured that she poured out to them. I leave much love to Karina and Alex and Hope and Gadge.
Sylvia’ s daughter once said, Mom had a style of her own as a woman who was graceful. Elegant and had a flair of dressing to please herself. Sylvia kept herself abreast of the changing world and was a source of strength, wisdom and faith. No one hesitated to look for suggestions and council. She spoke her mind and never sugar-coated what she believed in, yet she had a heart of gold. Her dearest deceased friend Frances Zarrillo once said when God made Sylvia, he threw away the mold.
Sylvia’s life was umbrelled around her Armenian heritage and culture. She always spoke of the horrific events of the Armenians. It reminded us that our sad past had formed our identity. The diaspora of the Armenians is truly burned into our hearts. How unfortunate that the world has not realized the first Genocide and Massacred of the Armenian people. Her compassion was to carry out the work her mother did at St. Hagop Armenian Church. Sylvia did the Armenian baking for all their fundraisers and special dinner receptions. Sylvia was always honored to do the baking in memory of her mother and father.
Sylvia had a strong faith and was noted to give a helping hand where any church pastor asked for her expertise. She always said God is everywhere. She always gave him center stage. She shared her unique, creative and artistic talents for many important church celebrations. God graced her with this ability to serve the church, which she did so perfectly. She also had a voracious appetite for reading and writing. Her favorite book was the Bible She always pointed her finger at our Lord.
Sylvia was a woman of many HATS. She was a parishioner at St. Mary’s of the Cataract Church where she was a Eucharistic Minister, and a lector. She taught religious education, Confirmation Instruction, Mission Leader, Bereavement captain, Bingo team, Rosary crusade in Youngstown, NY, Teachers associate at Sacred Heart School, Niagara Council of Catholic Women. Sylvia also was a member of the Hospice program, Festival of Lights, member of Artpark in Lewiston, NY, volunteer at Emstar E.R., at Mt. St. Marys Hospital in Lewiston and a volunteer at the American Red Cross.
Sylvia is survived by her children, Krista (Kevin) Swann and Glenn Choolokian; four grandchildren, Karina and Alex Swann, and Hope and Gadge Choolokian; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins throughout California, Seattle and Baltimore. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her five siblings.
It is difficult to imagine a world without Sylvia. She will live in the hearts of many that knew her, and will be sorely missed. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Cerebral Palsy Children’s Foundation
