Anahid (Alexanian) Harikian Centenary
Anahid Alexanian was born in Krasnodar, Russia, on 26 August 1926 to her refugee parents, Ripsime and Garegin Alexanian, who had fled their native Salmas (Salmast), Persia (now Iran) during the turmoil of 1915. In the early 1930s, the Alexanian family returned to their ancestral homeland in the village of Sarnagh, in the Salmast region of Iran.
Anahid spent her childhood in a close-knit and happy community, surrounded by her siblings, especially her beloved elder sister, Goharik. She remained in her ancestral village until the age of fifteen, when she moved to Tehran. At sixteen, she married Hovhanness Harikian, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, resilience, and devotion to family.
Together, Anahid and Hovhanness raised three children—two sons and a daughter—all of whom are now p citizens of the United States.
The Iranian Revolution of 1979 profoundly changed their lives. Seeking security and a better future for their family, Anahid and Hovhanness eventually emigrated to the United States, settling in Glendale, California, in 1988. Hovhanness passed away in 1996, leaving Anahid a widow after many years of marriage.
Today, Anahid remains with us. Though physically frail, she is mentally sharp, fully aware of her surroundings, and continues to take great joy in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. On 26 August 2026, she celebrates the remarkable milestone of her 100th birthday.
Anahid is the grandmother of six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren—seven of whom are citizens of the United States and two of the United Kingdom.
Throughout her life, Anahid has devoted herself not only to raising her own children but also to nurturing succeeding generations. Her wisdom, compassion, unwavering support, and quiet strength have been a guiding light for both her immediate and extended family. She has been the heart of the family—keeping everyone connected through her kindness, generosity, and unconditional love.
If there were an honorary doctorate awarded for excellence in family life, Anahid would richly deserve an Honorary Doctorate in the Philosophy of Family Life. Her lifelong dedication to preserving family bonds, inspiring hope, and leading by example has touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. She has shown that the greatest legacy is not measured by wealth or titles, but by the lives one shapes with love, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment.
Centenary Celebration
The immediate and extended Harikian and Alexanian families are delighted to celebrate Anahid’s 100th birthday on Sunday, 30 August 2026, at the Atrium in Glendale, California. The celebration will feature a festive brunch, followed by a special cake-cutting ceremony in honor of a truly extraordinary woman whose century of life has been a blessing to all who know and love her.
