Obituary of Maral K. Massaro

Maral Kehkejian Massaro, age 49, of Monroe, beloved wife of Christopher A. Massaro Sr., passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 09, 2015 at home surrounded by her devoted family. Born on August 25, 1965 in Beirut, Lebanon, she was the daughter of the late Ferdinand and Lousine Kalfayan Kehkejian. She was a longtime resident of Bridgeport, CT. In addition to her beloved husband of 24 years, survivors include three cherished children, Nicolette Victoria, Olivia Talene and Christopher Andrew Jr., three sisters, Carmen Fuchs and her husband Allen of Bridgeport, Wilma Petrossian of Monroe and Nellie Scoble and her husband Harry of Cheshire. She also leaves to cherish her memory her father and mother-in-law, Carl and Dorothy Massaro of Fairfield, brothers and sisters-in-law who have always been an integral presence in her life, Carla Massaro and Jodi Schaschl of Fairfield, Craig and Lisa Massaro of Trumbull, Christa and Larry Landini of Fairfield, Cal and Christine Massaro of Trumbull, as well as many cousins, close friends, and numerous nieces and nephews, whom she considered her "first children." Maral touched many people in so many positive ways over the years in her work, volunteer, church and community involvements. Her working career began after college in the retail industry, ultimately as a Manager for Ann Taylor and also as a Regional Assistant for Gap Kids. While being a homemaker and raising her three children, she launched a home-based business, "The Gift Basket". She returned to work to become a teacher's aid at St. Jude School in Monroe, and most recently working as a Logistics Manager for Summit Corporation. Known as "Mama Bear" to her drivers and customers, she broke the mold of the sometimes rough trucking world, always pleasantly winning people over, even making "Goodie Bags" for her drivers. Her elegance and grace translated into many other talents, as she was always the person called upon for expertise in party planning and decorations, or simple suggestions in home interior design. The family wishes to thank the many family, friends and professionals that have supported and provided their expertise through Maral's courageous battle, including the staff at Smilow Cancer Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Vitas Hospice. A special thank you to the management and staff at Bridgeport Healthcare Center for their compassion and support. Funeral Services will take place on Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. directly in the Armenian Church of the Holy Ascension, 1460 Huntington Turnpike, Trumbull. Interment will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Monroe. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Monday, July 13, 2015 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. A prayer service will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial contributions to the "Massaro Children Education Fund", 26 Lazy Brook Rd., Monroe, CT. 06468.