Hilda Peruz Nazarian

Hilda Peruz Nazarian, 85, of Alcoa Pines Health & Rehabilitation Center, in Benton, AR passed away Wednesday, August 7th, 2024, at the Arkansas Heart Hospital. Hilda was a very giving and generous person with her time and loved giving special gifts. She was grateful that her daughters were with her at the end of her life and as a final gift, asked God to watch over them and their families.

After her education at American High School in Turkey, she married Mihitar Nazaryan, an entrepreneur who had developed a business in Istanbul making and selling custom shoes for women. Hilda was a home maker for 17 years during which she focused on teaching her three girls the skills they would need to become independent women.

Later, she moved to Weatherford, Texas where her father was raised, to be near her beloved sister Mary. In Weatherford, she charted a new course for her life, working in a vinyl siding factory and engaging in her artistic hobbies.

Hilda was tremendously creative and innovative taking great joy in sewing, knitting, painting, home décor, and organization. As a mother she channeled her passion for these hobbies into life skills for her daughters. She took great pride in their accomplishments and offered them high levels of support as they each discovered interests of their own.

Hilda had a larger-than-life personality that could light up a room with her smile. She enjoyed meeting new people and entertaining them with her mischievous antics. She loved family holidays and was very thankful that her three daughters joined her in the United States.

Hilda was preceded in death by her parents, John William Shirley and Alis Diruhi Potak; her ex-husband, Mihitar Nazaryan; sister, Mary Ellen Billings and brother in-law Robert Billings.

She is survived by her daughters, Shirley Françoise Kesisyan (Simon), Helen Lozel Cross (Benjamin and stepdaughter Emily), Korin Koharik Kockaya (Nick); grandchildren, Leon Berk Kockaya, Lara Ilyada Kockaya, Alexis Leigh Sayegh (Kevin); great grandchild, Michael Mihitar Sayegh; niece, Eileen Leila Yanoviak (daughters Lorelai and Claire); as well as her nephews; Bulent Samual Turan (Karol and daughter Ayla), Jon Can Turan (Cheryl and sons Ryan and Conner).

In celebration of Hilda’s life, a graveside memorial service will be held at Lee Cemetery, 1956-2016 Military Rd. Benton, AR, 72015, on Friday, August 16th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

In addition to sending flowers or planting a memorial tree, donations can be made in Hilda’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research or to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.

Although Hilda has joined her Lord and Savior in eternal life, her light and legacy will continue to shine on through the hearts of those who she most held dear.