Katherine K. Mekaelian

Katherine K. Mekaelian, 100, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in Libertyville, Illinois. She was born on August 14, 1925, in Manchester, New Hampshire. Katherine earned her Bachelors Degree in Clinical Dietetics from the University of New Hampshire, then received her Masters Degree in Public Health from Harvard University.
Katherine began a distinguished career as a clinical dietitian at Mount Auburn Hospital in Massachusetts and the Smith Veterans Center in Manchester, New Hampshire. After marrying Dr. Mitchell Mekaelian in 1952, she relocated to Illinois, where she continued her career at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago. Following several years of service at various hospitals, Katherine devoted herself to raising her family.
A woman of deep faith and unwavering commitment to her community, Katherine was one of the founding members of St. Paul Armenian Apostolic Church (1966). Throughout the years, she faithfully served as a choir member, member of the Women's Auxiliary, principal of the church school, and editor of the church bulletin. She was also an active member of the Armenian Renaissance Association, the Harvard Club of Boston, the American Association of University Women, and the International Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Sisterhood.
Volunteering was at the heart of Katherine's life. Passionate about helping others, she and other members of the AAUW developed a creative writing class at Winchester House Nursing Home that encouraged residents to discover and nurture their own talents. Although she always considered herself a proud New Englander, she embraced a lifetime dedicated to serving her community and enriching the lives of those around her.
Katherine enjoyed gardening, cooking, and entertaining family and friends. She was a gracious hostess, and a voracious reader. She is remembered for her intelligence, generosity, leadership, and steadfast devotion to her faith, family, and community.
She is survived by her children, Arsen (Martha) Mekaelian, Mitchell (Cynthia) Mekaelian, and Alta (Peter) Jemian Mekaelian; her seven cherished grandchildren, Mikhail (fiancée Michelle) Mekaelian, Martha (Raffi) Elchemmas, Khoogas Mekaelian, Dziadzan (Hovig) Garabedian, Matthew Mekaelian, Katherine Jemian, and Margaret Jemian; and her three beloved great-grandchildren, Nina, Vartan, and Sophia.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Mitchell A. Mekaelian, her parents Hoogas and Hropsema (Demoorjian) Der Koorkanian, and by her siblings, Elizabeth and George Der Koorkanian.

A calling hour will be held in Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St, on Tuesday, July 28th from 10 to 11 am, followed by a committal service in Pine Grove Cemetery at 11:30 am.

Donations may be made in Katherine's memory to support St. Paul Armenian Church, 645 S. Lewis Ave, Waukegan, IL.