Victoria Shamlian

Victoria Shamlian, 89, of St. Augustine, passed away on July 10, 2020. She left the embrace of her daughter and rose into the arms of Jesus. Best described as funny, feisty, full of gumption, a woman of strong convictions, Victoria was a big-hearted woman who enjoyed an enriched life. Laughter, a well-told story, and sparkly shoes gave her great pleasure. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, January 1931 and was a first- generation American born child of Armenian genocide survivors. They loved Brooklyn, but during her childhood her family spent glorious summers on a New Jersey farm. She kept fond memories of her childhood her whole life. As she grew, she accompanied her father on Saturdays when he did street corner evangelism. As a teenager, she took voice lessons from a teacher with a studio in the Carnegie Hall rehearsal building. She was raised in a home passionate about music and raised her own children that same way. Victoria married Oscar Shamlian, another first-generation American in 1950. They had two children; Linda and William, and lived in The Bronx, New York. She infused in her children the love of God and the arts, the value of friendship, and good laughter. When opportunity arose, the family left New York City and moved to Victoria’s dream house on Lake Carmel, NY. In the 1990’s Victoria and Oscar retired to Florida. They met a new circle of friends and immersed themselves in St Augustine life. She acquired her beloved cockatiel, Lemon, who is now 22 years old. Victoria was an artist through piano, bells, her voice, choir directing, knitting, sewing, and theater. She even had a little business called Vicki’s Knits. She celebrated the creativity and multitalented gifts of her whole family. She wrote, directed, and costumed plays with Biblical themes. She wrote and performed a one-woman tribute to Holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom. She also volunteered at St Augustine’s Limelight Theatre (1995-2004) under the founders, Jean Rahner and Anne Kraft. She was a founding member and treasurer of the Limelight Theatre Guild Board of Directors 1998-2000. She loved the times she spent as part of the shared live theatre experiences. Victoria’s love of Jesus was clear and her desire to serve Him was lived out daily. She fervently believed in the power of prayer. She worked for TBN Trinity Broadcasting Network for 33 years, both in New York and Jacksonville, as the Prayer Partner Coordinator and a frequent television talk show guest. Victoria served on church boards, volunteered at food pantries, was a youth leader, Bible teacher, and a student at the Moody Bible Institute. While in St Augustine she helped start and subsequently run Living Waters Prayer Ministry, a telephone call in help line for sharing spiritual guidance. She became a licensed minister at the age of 74. Pastor Vicki performed weddings and would lead memorial services aboard navy vessels during her husband’s U.S. Navy reunions. She had no desire to start her own church, but to be a helper in the greater community. Her two favorite Bible verses were Psalm 119:71 and Psalm 119:33. Victoria is survived by her daughter, Linda Shamlian; son, William and daughter-in-love Joy Cochran; niece, Susan Samuelian; nephew, David Shamlian and his wife Heidi, their daughter Danielle Shamlian; son, Steven Shamlian and his wife Tahleen and their little boys Shahan and Aren. Victoria reaped the blessings of a long life. She was especially delighted to be great-great Auntie Vicki to Shahan and Aren. Victoria was predeceased by her husband Oscar Shamlian to whom she was married from 1950-2005; her brother and sister-in-law, Albert and Zevart Samuelian; nephew, Daniel Samuelian; and parents Arshavir and Repega (Lafjian) Samuelian. A memorial service will be planned for a later date due to the riskiness of our COVID-19 times. To pay tribute to Victoria’s memory, consider making a donation in her name to: St Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum 81 Lighthouse Avenue St Augustine, FL 32080 www.staugustinelighthouse.com/donate Or: Armenian Museum of America 65 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Victoria Shamlian

January 4, 1931 - July 10, 2020