Zepure Garabed Fermanian

Zepure “Zou Zou” “Zippy” Garabed Fermanian was a woman of many nicknames but no matter what her friends and family called her, everyone that met her could sense her warm spirit and passionate zest for life. She was a joyful person, always smiling and seeking fun. Born in Aleppo, Syria on February 15, 1961 to Garabed and Katrin Naoum Fermanian, Zepure was blonde and blue-eyed, the youngest of five siblings: brother Vahe (deceased) and three sisters Malvina (Tom) McCreary, Yester (Hagop) Ghazar and Madlen. At age thirteen, Zepure and her family moved to Beirut, Lebanon where she spent her high school and young adult years living through the Lebanese Civil War. In 1984, 23-year-old Zepure and her sister Madlen joined their family in America, where they would ultimately make metro Detroit their home. For 36 years, Zepure was a loyal employee of Kramar Jewelry where she built a community of long-term co-workers, customers and friends. No bond was more precious to her than the one she shared with her sisters Yester and Madlen. Together the three sisters built a loving home for their parents and her niece Lessa, nephew Allen and dogs, where all of their friends and family felt welcomed. They all treasured their Sunday phone time catching up with dear sister Malvina in Scotland. Zepure’s unique and infectious laugh indeed personified her happy, spirited character and the sense of adventure that motivated her many travels around the world. When she wasn’t traveling, she spent her time cooking with fresh herbs and vegetables that she had grown herself and cultivating beautiful flowers in her garden. More than anything, enjoying every special moment with her family and friends defined the joyful nature and generous life that Zepure lived. She is survived by her sisters, nieces and nephews David, Tamar (Andy) Whitson, Michael, Lessa (Joe) Dubay and Allen Ghazar, and great-nephew and great-nieces Everett, Lyla and Violet. Zepure’s legacy will live on through all those that knew and loved her. She will be truly missed and never forgotten.

Visitation Friday, April 22, 2022 from 10:30 a.m. until her 11:30 a.m. Funeral at St. John Armenian Church.  

Family requests for the public to please wear a mask inside the Sanctuary and at the Tea following the funeral at the Veteran's Building across the parking lot.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to the Family (If writing a check to the family, please make payable to Madlin Fermanian.
 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.