“Dr. Karakashian was a giving person who was committed helping others. Whether it was participating in a Medical Workshop at St. Stepanos Armenian Apostolic Church, contributing content for a newsletter, or assisting an individual in need of care, Dr. Karakashian was always willing to share her time and expertise where it was needed. AAHPO will miss her devotion to our community here and in Armenia,” noted Lawrence V. Najarian, MD, AAHPO President.
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, to Hagop and Vergine Jamgotchian, survivors of the Armenian Genocide, she grew up immersed in the vibrant Armenian community of her birthplace. After graduating from high school, she immigrated to the United States, settling in New Jersey.
She earned a BA in Psychology from Rutgers University, followed by an EdS in School and Community Psychology and a PhD in Clinical Child Psychology from Seton Hall University. As a licensed psychologist, she dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, and trauma through compassionate psychotherapy.
Dr. Karakashian provided critical psychological support to victims of the 1988 Armenian earthquake. Through the Armenian Relief Society Psychiatric Outreach Program, she traveled to Armenia multiple times providing direct care to victims, as well as training local psychologists in trauma-informed practices. Dr. Karakashian was active in the Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA, serving on the Eastern Regional Executive Board and the Central Executive Board.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Nubar Karakashian; her children, Shant and Mary Karakashian, Sebouh and Setta Karakashian, and Lory and Joe Hubbard; her grandsons, Haig, Niko, Raffi, Vicken, Armen, Aram, and Justin; and her brothers, Harout Jamgotchian and Ara and Carmen Jamgochian and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Dr. Karakashian’s memory to Saint Stepanos Church or the Armenian Relief Society.
