In Memory of Arsine Oshagan

The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Eastern USA Central Committee, ARF Philadelphia Gomideh, and Hamazkayin Eastern Region extend their deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of unground Arsine Oshagan.

Dr. Arsine Oshagan, 80, esteemed educator, management consultant, and Armenian community leader, passed away on April 28, 2022, after valiantly facing an experience with cancer. 

Dr. Oshagan, a resident of Radnor PA, was a prominent force in the Philadelphia Armenian community who engaged in organizations and efforts at the local, national and international levels. Her life was dedicated to enhancing the educational and cultural heritage of Armenians around the globe.

She and her late husband Dr. Vahe Oshagan traveled the world supporting cultural, literary, religious, and nationalistic endeavors, including the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) and the Pillars of the Prelacy. 

Dr. Oshagan directed academic programs in three Armenian schools, including the Arshag and Sophie Galstaun School of Hamazkayin (Sydney, Australia), Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan Armenian School (San Francisco, CA), and Armenian Sisters Academy (Radnor, PA).

She recently completed a 21-year career in business management consulting with Gap International (Delaware County, PA) where she was appointed as a vice president, specializing in research and development and promoting business and individual transformation. 

Dr. Oshagan received her education in mathematics at Mount Holyoke College (A.B. with distinction and with honor), University of California, Los Angeles (M.A.), and University of Connecticut (Ph.D.).

Her honors include Phi Beta Kappa and Pi Mu Epsilon (mathematics). She spent a year learning Armenian at the Palandjian Djemaran of Hamazkayin (Beirut). 

Born Arsine Rustigian on April 1, 1942, to Jacob and Stella Sachaklian Rustigian, she was raised in Hartford, CT, where she was a member and Sunday School director of St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church and a graduate of the Loomis Chaffee School. 

She leaves a brother Lt. Col. George Rustigian (USAF-Ret) and his wife Barbara, and a sister Jackie Rustigian, and their families, Dale and Crystal Rustigian, and children, Michael Rustigian, and Loriann Rustigian and child. 

Through her marriage to Dr. Vahe Oshagan, she leaves two stepsons, Dr. Hayg Oshagan and wife Georgi-Ann; Ara Oshagan and wife Anahid, and their families; Alidz and Philip Nigon and children, Ashod Oshagan, Sebouh Oshagan, Adom Oshagan, Aren Oshagan, and Shahan Oshagan.

An ardent contributor to the Philadelphia Armenian community, she was a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, served on the Board of Trustees of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church, Armenian Prelacy National Representatives Assembly (NRA), sang in the church choir, and dedicated over 20 years teaching Armenian to adults to link them to their mother tongue. 

In so many ways, Arsine Oshagan is an irreplaceable force in her beloved Philadelphia Armenian community and every other circle of her life, be it family, friends, students, parents, and colleagues. May her legacy live on in all whom she touched.  

Funeral services will be held on May 11, 2022, at St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church, 8701 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia PA 19128. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and the funeral service will commence at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery and a luncheon will follow at Seroonian Armenian Community Center. Memorial donations may be made to St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church or Armenian Sisters Academy, Radnor PA.

Guest Contributor The armenian Weekly