Audrey Pilafian's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Audrey Pilafian
Audrey Pilafian, cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dedicated educator, passed away in the early morning of November 16, 2023, at the age of 94. Surrounded by her loving family, Audrey left this world peacefully in her home, with her daughter, Kathy, holding her hand. Her life was a testament to love, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of knowledge.
Audrey's journey through life was marked by her unyielding commitment to her family, teaching, and music. She gave her final cello lesson on November 4th, leaving behind a legacy of musical excellence that spanned over six decades. Her love for teaching extended beyond the music world, as she served as the Sunday School Superintendent at her Armenian Church for over 60 years. Audrey's impact was profound, as she taught Sunday School lessons to generations of children, even teaching the grandchildren of some of her original students just last month. She also directed seasonal plays and special musical presentations, sharing her passion for the arts with young hearts.
Audrey's remarkable life began in Chicago on September 19, 1929, during the challenging times of the Great Depression. She learned the value of hard work early on while helping her family run her mother's candy store at the age of 7. She discovered her passion for the cello in high school, earning a college scholarship due to her exceptional talent. Her dedication led her to attend Northwestern University and she fell in love with her husband, Harry Pilafian. Audrey followed him to Miami and transferred to the University of Miami where she obtained a master’s degree in education. She married Harry on September 10th, 1949. Together, they embarked on a journey determined by Harry’s naval career that took them from the shores of French Morocco, where their son Marty was born, to Key West, where their son Jack proudly claimed the title of a "Key West Conch."
Settling in Miami, Audrey and Harry lovingly raised their children, Marty Jack, Bob, and Kathy, while Audrey pursued a remarkable teaching career. She began as a second-grade teacher for Dade County Schools, eventually becoming an influential figure in the improvement of gifted school programs. Audrey's dedication and passion for education earned her the title of Teacher of the Year, a testament to her unwavering commitment to her students. Retiring after 33 years from the Miami-Dade County School System, Audrey continued her work for 17 more years at Florida International University, supervising aspiring teachers as they embarked on their own educational journeys.
Audrey's talent as a cellist was not limited to her students; she graced numerous weddings, funerals, conventions, and parties with her musical talents, leaving an indelible mark on those who were fortunate enough to hear her play. Her family's dedication to education was evident, as her husband Harry worked tirelessly to provide for their four children's education, and her sons, Jack and Bob, earned scholarships in music. During the summer months, the Pilafian family traveled with a pop-up trailer and tents, allowing the kids to experience a wide swath of the country during their formative years.
But Audrey's love for her family extended beyond the classroom and the concert stage. She was the matriarch who brought her family together, keeping in close contact with cousins near and far and organizing memorable family gatherings. Audrey's love, wisdom, and sharp wit brought joy to all who knew her.
Audrey Pilafian's life was a shining example of dedication, resilience, and love. Beyond her professional achievements, she shared precious moments with her family during summer camping trips, exploring the wide expanse of the United States. These adventures allowed her children to experience the beauty of the country while forging lasting memories.
She leaves behind her daughter Kathy and sons Marty and Bob, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Audrey's legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will forever inspire us to pursue our passions with unwavering dedication, to spread love and knowledge to the world, and to treasure the precious moments spent with family. Audrey Pilafian will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
As per Audrey's wishes, the family has requested that instead of sending flowers, donations be made to St. Mary Armenian Church. The phone number for the church is (954) 450-5578 and the address is 4050 NW 100th Avenue, Hollywood, FL 33024.
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