Virginia Safarian

Virginia Safarian, age 97, of Fairview Heights, IL born on September 11, 1928, in East St. Louis, IL, died on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

Virginia, affectionately known as Vee, was the former co-owner/operator of Safarian Cleaners with her siblings.  She was proud of her Armenian heritage and dedicated to her family.  She was an excellent cook, known for her pilaf. Virginia baked at Holy Shoghagat Armenian Church with her sister and many wonderful friends.  She loved traveling with the YWCA Ladies where she saw much of the United States. Vee also enjoyed many fun jaunts to Las Vegas with her family.  Vee sang for the Belleville Philharmonic Chorale, where she sang soprano.  She was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church Choir in Belleville, IL. She also sang for her family, her friend’s weddings and funerals. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mike Safarian, and Lousig Kachadoorian Safarian; and her brothers, Herman Safarian, Sam Safarian, and Dick Safarian.

Vee is survived by her sister and best friend, Rose Safarian of Fairview Heights, IL; and her loving nieces and nephews; Lucille Safarian Schweitzer (Dave), Sandra Safarian Winter (Bill), David Safarian (Elizabeth), Brian Safarian (Lisa), Jane Alberter (Allen), Michael Safarian; Great nieces and nephews, Erica, Natalie, Jacob (Emily), Andrew, Rachel, Mark, Michelle, Eric (Jaclyn), Ryan (Jessica) and AJ (Abby); as well as great, great nieces and nephews.

Memorials are preferred to  Holy Shoghagat Armenian Church.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.

Funeral Service will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL with Rev. Fr. Taniel Manjikian officiating.  Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

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