MELINÉ KARAKASHIAN (1943 – MAY 30, 2025)

His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, and the Religious and Executive Councils of the Eastern Prelacy have learned with sorrow of the passing of Meliné Karakashian, Ph.D., Ed.S., née Jamgotchian, who passed away peacefully on Friday, May 30, at age 82 in Middletown, New Jersey. Her funeral was held on Tuesday, June 3, at St. Stepanos Church (Elberon, New Jersey). 

A distinguished psychologist, scholar, and devoted guardian of Armenian heritage, Dr. Karakashian’s life radiated compassion, resilience, and cultural pride, touching countless lives through her healing practice and unwavering commitment to her community. 

Born in April 1943 in Beirut, Lebanon, to Hagop and Vergine Jamgotchian, survivors of the Armenian Genocide, she grew up immersed in the vibrant Armenian community of her birthplace. At the Nichan Palandjian Jemaran school, her intellectual curiosity and passion for learning flourished. After graduating from high school, she immigrated to the United States, settling in New Jersey. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rutgers University in Newark, NJ, followed by a master’s degree (Ed.S.) in School and Community Psychology and a Ph.D. in Clinical Child Psychology from Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ. As a licensed psychologist, she dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, and trauma through compassionate psychotherapy.  

She built a remarkable life with her husband, Nubar Karakashian. Together, they raised their twin sons, Shant and Sebouh, and daughter, Lory, fostering a home rich in love, Armenian traditions, and a deep appreciation for education.  

Her compassion extended beyond her practice to global crises. Volunteering with the Psychiatric Outreach Program of the Armenian Relief Society, Meliné Karakashian provided critical psychological support to victims of the 1988 Armenian earthquake, the Karabakh War, and the September 11 attacks. After the earthquake, during her many visits to Armenia, she taught Armenian psychologists about how to deal with patients suffering from trauma. Her selfless service at different times earned accolades from the presidents of Armenia, the American Psychological Association, and the New Jersey Mental Health Association.  

As a scholar, she wove psychology and Armenian history with profound insight. Her book, Komitas: A Psychological Study, published both in Armenian and English, offered a transformative perspective on Gomidas Vartabed, arguing that he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder rather than madness—a nuanced view that reframed his legacy with dignity and hope. This work was deeply personal, inspired by her mother-in-law Kayane’s family connection to Komitas, who inscribed photographs to his “sister, Mayrig.” Her two Fulbright lecturing grants to Yerevan State University allowed her to share her expertise, leaving a lasting impact on Armenian academia. 

Her legacy of love and learning lives on in her devoted husband, Nubar Karakashian; her children, Shant and Mary Karakashian, Sebouh and Setta Karakashian, and Lory and Joe Hubbard; her grandsons, Haig, Niko, Raffi, Vicken, Armen, Aram, and Justin; and her brothers, Harout Jamgotchian and Ara and Carmen Jamgochian and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Hagop and Vergine Jamgotchian, in-laws Garabed and Kayane Karakashian, and sister-in-law, Annie Jamgotchian. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Dr. Karakashian’s memory to Saint Stepanos Church or the Armenian Relief Society.