Westborough – Alba Yanni Kalenian, 98, formerly of Westborough, passed away in her sleep Tuesday, June 4, 2013 in St. Ignatius, Montana, near the home of her daughter, Ruth.
Alba was born in Brockton, one of two children born to Italian immigrants John and Mary Yanni. She graduated from Brockton High School and Boston University.
At the time she graduated from college during the depression, she would walk miles each day to save pennies for her family. She remained frugal all of her life when it related to herself, but was very generous to others. For a short time, she worked as secretary to the principal of Brockton High School, but her calling was as a wife and mother.
In reflecting on his mother, her son Paul said, “She played the piano for 93 years from the time she was 5 years old. From Christmas songs to traditional Italian medleys, she played from memory until her very last days. She will be remembered for her wonderful gift of music and the way she gave of herself through love and time. When you look up “Mom” in the dictionary, there is a picture of Alba Kalenian.”
Alba lived for over 60 years in Westborough, nearly all of that time at 7 Weld St.? She was a full-time mother and wife, giving nearly all of her time to family. For many years, she was a volunteer at the Westborough State Hospital and other local institutions.? She was a member of the Congregational Church of Westborough and the Westborough Women's Club. Many Westborough residents will remember her for her bake sale items and her devotion to her daughter, Mary.
She is survived by her daughter, Ruth Kalenian of St. Ignatius, Montana; son Paul Kalenian and daughter-in-law Cathy of Santa Fe, N.M.; and predeceased by her eldest daughter, Mary. She is also survived by her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Alice and George Hoogasian of Westborough, and by nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Her husband, Aram, passed away in 1975. He was the founder of Vee-Arc Corporation located in Westborough, and held 48 patents from World War II and on.
A graveside service will be held later this summer, and arrangements will be handled by Rand-Harper-Pickering Funeral Home of Westborough.
