Dorothy Isgouhee Tarpinian passed peacefully on March 4, 2022 at the Chelsea Retirement Center in Chelsea, Michigan with the care and support of Grace Hospice. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 17, 1931, the third of four children to an immigrant family. Her parents, Arshalous Tarpinian neê Kassabian and Manuel Tarpinian, had left Turkey in 1925 and 1910, respectively, escaping the oppression of the Ottoman majority and in search of a better life in America.
Dorothy grew up speaking Armenian in the home and English outside. Dorothy graduated from Hazel Park High school. She attended Wayne State University where she earned Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees. She was an enthusiastic participant in the sparkling Detroit art and music scene. Dorothy remained a generous donor to the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Science Center, the Farmington Hills Public Library, Beaumont (Botsford) Commons, and the Purple Rose Theater throughout her life. She relished hosting musical events at her community, Beaumont Commons.
Dorothy lived her life with passion and gumption. She loved her career of teaching art in the Detroit Public Schools. She loved to travel. She loved cooking and backgammon. She loved to learn. Her favorite word was 'magnificent'. Her second favorite word was 'fascinating'. Our Dorothy is a magnificent example of how to live a fascinating life. Her bereft family hopes you have someone with such zest for living in your life.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her two sisters, Gloria Vanouhee Tarpinian Haynes and
Joyce Astrikh Tarpinian Ariyan. She is survived by her brother, Harry (Beverly) Tarpinian, her cousin, Haro (Carol) Roupinian, and eight nieces and nephews.
In her memory, we ask that any donations you wish to give be made to your favorite art or music charity or to Grace Hospice.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
