Mary Hovnanian

Mary Hovnanian of Pensacola, FL, beloved cousin, and friend, passed away on January 24, 2021. On July 22, 1924, Mary was born in Washington, DC, and was 96 years young when she joined her family in heaven. She was the daughter of Vartoohi Manoukian Hovnanian and Avedis Hovnanian, who escaped the Turkish genocide of the Armenians in 1915. She was predeceased by her parents and brother Col. Manual Hovnanian. Mary graduated from Central High School, George Washington University, and the Catholic University of America, where she majored in art and also studied at the Corcoran School of Art. During her studies at Catholic University, one of her professors submitted a piece of her art unbeknownst to Mary, which received an honor in a juried show. She described her art as “..modern but conservative.” Walt Disney animation studios in California offered Mary a job, but she declined it and took a job with the Naval Research Lab as an illustrator first in Washington, DC and later transferring to Pensacola, Fl. In addition to her work with the Navy, she became a collector of antiques and oriental rugs, the origin of which was a natural outcome of her upbringing as her Washington, DC, relatives all had shops of antiques and oriental rugs. In Pensacola, she explored this interest through antique fairs and auctions. She was an active member of the Pensacola Antique Dealers Association. Mary had a tremendous love of all animals, especially her many furbabies throughout her many years. She illustrated her own Christmas Cards, which were anxiously anticipated by her many friends and family. These cards included drawings of her dogs in a Christmas Theme. Mary's spirit and encompassing love will be missed by all who knew her. Mary may not have had children of her own, but she had many that looked to her like a mother, and she loved all of her "misfits," who will ever be changed by the love that Mary gave to us all. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Mary's name to one of her favorite charities: Pensacola Humane Society 5 N Q Street Pensacola, FL 32505 850-432-4250 and/or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105