A Century of Strength and Resilience

Elizabeth Sarafian, was born into a story of survival as the daughter of an Armenian Genocide survivor from Musa Dagh. From a very young age, life asked much of her. She immigrated to Lebanon as a child and began working early, unable to finish school, yet never losing her curiosity, creativity, or determination.

Fashion became her language. She apprenticed with a renowned hat maker in Beirut, then grew into a gifted dressmaker, eventually building a business on her own. Her work dressed artists, the wives of ministers, and public figures — but what mattered most to her was the joy her creations brought to others.

When war tore Lebanon apart, she once again began from scratch. In 1983, at 57 years old, she came to the United States with courage and hope, working in high-end boutiques in Chicago and later at Nordstrom in San Diego. She learned English, studied diligently, and proudly earned her U.S. citizenship in English in 1992.

For more than three decades now, she has lived in Pasadena, surrounded by her 3 daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She is the strongest, kindest, most generous person I know. Having her love, wisdom, and presence in our lives for a full century is the greatest gift we could ever receive.