The Central Board of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party announces with deep sorrow the passing of Comrade Irma (Hélène) Der Stepanian (born 1938, Damascus), a long-time member of the ADL, former member of the Central Board, and a meritorious and faithful comrade, which occurred on Thursday, May 26, 2022, as a result of a stroke, in New Jersey.
The deceased Comrade Irma was one of the daughters of the renowned columnist, public and party figure Comrade Mihran Der Stepanian. She was a lawyer by profession.
As a faithful adherent and devoted soldier of the ideological values of the ADL, the deceased comrade, especially by availing herself of her professional expertise, made her valuable contribution through the party to the building of Armenian national life and worked for the sake of our people and homeland.
In addition to her years of service of national significance, she also had public activity. She was a highly respected member, the only Armenian member, of the body administering the allocation of the American “Ellis Island” Medal of Honor, and it was thanks to her efforts that many Armenians were honored with that medal (The medal signifies the diversity of American life and honors individuals who provide opportunities for representatives of different nations to preserve their identity while at the same time making them a part of American life).
She was also a member of the General Assembly of the H. Garakeozian Medical Charitable Social Organization, established in Yerevan in 1992 with the support of the New York Garakeozian Foundation.
On this sad occasion, in the name of the Central Board of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party and the entire membership, we express our deepest condolences to the deceased’s sister, family members, and relatives.
Incense and prayers for her bright memory.
Eternal light and peace to her soul.
May the memory of the righteous be blessed.
ADL Central Board
