Alice Yacoubian Khatchmanian

Alice Khatchmanian passed away on the evening of July 31, 2026, in Falls Church, Virginia, with her daughters by her side. She was 85 years old.

Alice was born on April 30, 1941, in Damascus, Syria, to Stephan Yacoubian and Georgette Karamanian. The second oldest of five children, she grew up in a close-knit Armenian family and later earned her baccalaureate from the Lycée Français de Damas and remained close to several of her childhood friends throughout her life.

Alice had a remarkable gift for languages. She spoke Armenian, Arabic, Turkish, French, and English fluently and also studied German for three years at the Goethe-Institut in Damascus. However, music was her lifelong passion. In her mid-twenties, Alice moved to Paris, France where she studied classical piano for three years at the École Normale de Musique de Paris and earned a diploma in piano instruction. A classical pianist, she spent hours playing and memorizing works by Chopin, Mozart, and Beethoven and loved attending symphonies and operas. She also taught piano privately in Damascus and was a piano teacher at the Arab Conservatory of Music.

Alice married her childhood friend, Jirair “Jerry” Khatchmanian, on January 14, 1973. They shared 52 years of marriage and had two daughters, Nathalie and Talar, and later five grandchildren. In 1979, Alice and Jirair immigrated with their daughters to Queens, New York, to be closer to family and pursue greater opportunities. They became naturalized United States citizens in 1984. While living in New York, Alice taught at the Armenian school at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral and completed training focused on teaching Armenian as a second language. She also served on the National Committee of the Armenian General Benevolent Union and spent four years as assistant secretary of its Damascus chapter. During this time, she continued giving private lessons for over 15 years and shared her love of music with both of her daughters, Nathalie and Talar. Music was always part of their home, and she often accompanied their violin and clarinet solos on the piano.

In 1987, the family moved to Annandale, Virginia where Alice and Jerry opened up a one-hour photo store "Pavilion Express Photo" in the Old Post Office Pavilion in Washington, D.C., where they served many diplomats and goverment officials by developing their photos. She also continued supporting music education through the Fairfax County Public Schools and served on a band booster committee. She was dependable, hardworking, and took pride in everything she did.

Alice was an exceptional cook and gracious hostess who loved preparing Armenian and Mediterranean meals for family and friends. Her home was filled with music, laughter, and tradition, and she took great joy in bringing the people she loved together. Proud of her Armenian heritage and devoted to her family, Alice treasured her daughters and grandchildren and took great pride in their lives. She will be remembered for her strength, generosity, musical talent, and the love she shared through her music, cooking, and the traditions she passed down.

Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Jirair Khatchmanian; her parents, Stephan Yacoubian and Georgette Karamanian; and her brothers, Dr. Vahe Yacoubian, Berge Yacoubian, and Avedis Yacoubian. She is survived by her sister, Zabelle (Yacoubian) Yirikian; her daughters, Nathalie (Raffy) Ekhsigian and Talar (Geoff) Linder; her grandchildren, Reed, Bennett, Nara, Davis, and Lori; and many extended family members and friends.

A private ceremony celebrating Alice’s life will be held in Fairfax, Virginia, on Friday, August 7, 2026. In leui of flowers and to honor Alice’s memory, the family welcomes memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association to help fund research and support individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Donations may be made through Alice's Tribute page.