Took great pride in Armenian heritage
MALDEN — Margaret (Nanian) Talanian, 95, a longtime resident of Malden, passed away peacefully at home with her three daughters by her side on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Margaret was born in Hartford, Conn., one of three children of the late Hovsep and Zabel (Bedrosian) Nanian. She attended Malden High School and was raised above her family’s grocery store, “Leo’s Market” at 272 Broadway. Margaret enjoyed working in the store as a cashier and meeting customers.
While at Leo’s she first met Oscar Talanian and they married on Nov. 28, 1940. They stayed living in Malden to raise a family of three daughters. From a young age, she and Oscar made a great couple and they loved each other dearly.
Forever proud of her Armenian heritage, Margaret was a founding member of Kaserig Jr. League in Malden. She loved getting together and sharing the Armenian culture with her friends and neighbors in Malden. A great cook known for her Armenian specialties, Margaret was famous for her rice pilaf. She was also a great pie maker who, through many taste tests, made the perfect pie crust.
Margaret was a Rainbow mother and an active member of the Forestdale Willing Helpers Group at Forestdale Community Church. She was a 25-year volunteer at the Malden Hospital where she worked in the Coffee Shop and later the Gift Shop. She was also a longtime member of the St. Stephen’s Armenian Church in Watertown.
For a few years, Margaret was the proud owner of “Margaret’s Variety” on Forest Street in Malden where she had a small but loyal following.
With a vibrant and warm personality, she enjoyed talking to people and made friends everywhere she went. She had a great sense of humor, was quick to laugh and had a beautiful smile. During her free time, she enjoyed needlework, crochet and embroidery. Above all else, Margaret was a family woman who centered her life around doting on her children. She will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
She was the beloved wife of the late Oscar Talanian with whom she shared 36 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Sandy Talanian of Belmont, Barbara Talanian of Malden and Linda Talanian and her husband Joseph Turner of Malden. She was the dear sister of the late Leo Nanian and Ozzie Nanian. She is also survived by her loving extended family.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Margaret’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Sunday, Sept. 28, from 2 to 6 p.m., and on Monday morning at St. Paul’s Church, 26 Washington St., Malden where her funeral service was celebrated at 10 a.m.
Interment in Forest Dale Cemetery, Malden.
To share online tribute or to share a memory, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
