1942 - 2016
Visitation
November 4, 201610:00-10:45A.M>
Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, 180 Old Westford Road, Chelmsford
Funeral
November 4, 201610:45P.M.
Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, 180 Old Westford Road, Chelmsford
Marlene (Parigian) Banyas, 74, of Westford formerly of Lowell, MA, and long-time resident of Tyngsboro, MA, was surrounded by the love of her family when she passed away on Monday, October 31, 2016, from a courageous fight against cancer. She was married to James Banyas, Sr., with whom she celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary this past January.
Born in Lowell, Marlene was a proud, first generation daughter of Armenian genocide survivors, the late Manough and Vartouhi Parigian.
While many may have known her as “Penny”, she also became known as “Marlo”, when she and younger sister Roseann (Parigian) Goulas opened Lookin’ Good Haircutters in Westford, MA in 1978. Marlene loved working with the general public and was known for her artistic hair cutting abilities and styling. She also loved antiques and collecting – specifically Lowell, MA memorabilia. Marlene enjoyed cooking as well, and was her family’s very own “frugal gourmet”! When preparing a meal (ethnic or traditional), she most often made enough to share with friends – especially her soups! Marlene also found time for gardening, dancing, Zumba classes, and “shelling” on the beaches near her winter home in Dunedin, FL. Her outgoing nature, kind and generous heart, and good sense of humor will be missed by all. She was a loving mother, an adored wife, and a kind friend.
Besides her husband, she is survived by her daughter Vanessa Banyas and grandson Michael of Westford, and son James Banyas, Jr. of Lowell, and his two daughters, Ashley and Katlyn. She is also survived by
her sister Roseann Goulas and nephew Jonathan Goulas of Westford, her niece Valerie (Hampson) Jesson and husband Mike, of Hudson, NH, her great niece Marissa (Jesson) Cohen and husband David of Concord, MA, and great nephew Casey Jesson, of Nashua, NH. Marlene also leaves behind an extended family of friends from her “Westwind” group in Florida. Marlene was predeceased by her beloved niece Doreen Lee (Hampson) Pepe, her older sister Angela (Parigian) Hampson, and two brothers, Oscar and John Parigian.
Marlene’s family extends thanks and appreciation to the staff of Westford House Rehab Center, Westford, MA, for their care and concern during her time there. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Marlene’s name and memory are appreciated and can be sent to the Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church, 180 Old Westford Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824, or to Honeymoon and Caledisi Island State Parks, Dunedin, Florida, www.islandparks.org.
Visiting hours Fri. 10-10:45A.M, at St. Vartanartz Armenian Church. Memorial Service at 10:45A.M. Marlene will be laid to rest at the Edson Cemetery in Lowell, MA. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD 978-251-4041.
Luciano Alunni-guiducci
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YOU WILL BE MISSED MARLENE. PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY.
Carol & Bob Inniss
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Jim, Vanessa,and Jimmy, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this difficult time. We will always have happy memories as
your friend and neighbor over the last 50 years. Marlene shall be remembered as a loving person and a good friend who passed too soon.
Love and Prayers
Bob & Carol Inniss
Micael Benlian
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ՄԱՌԼԻՆ ԲԱՐԻկեԱՆ, yes Marlene Parigian as I recall, when I first landed here in the U.S.
She was the first person who lent me a hand, took me to Lowell High to get my SAT exams, then to Lowell Tech to register as a student, and found me a part time job to earn a living.
I can not forget that face, her kindness, the ostentatious care she exhibited was of unique quality defined as pompous grandiose. Her husband James, her children James and Vanessa were blessed to share life around her. I will always remember her for who she was; a Super beautiful and wonderful human being. I pray for her soul, and may she forever rest in peace. For her direct family I say: “Tser Tsave Danim” which means, let your pain be mine.
Brian McCue
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My consolences to the Banyas family. Mrs Banyas was a wonderful person with a warm heart and a great sense of humor. I have many fond memories of her.
Newt Akashian
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So sorry to hear of your loss, may the many great memories help you through this difficult time. Penny is in my thoughts and prayers! L
Cheryl DUFRESNE Gosselin
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Sorry for your loss Vanessa n Jim…your old neighbor and friend…Cheryl Gosselin(DUFRESNE)