Dr. Angeline Nazaretian
April 29, 1928 - March 17, 2019
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jeanne O'Nick Nazaretian and Alice Yarchak Nazaretian.
She is survived by a sister, Mary Jeanne Smith and brother, Peter Nazaretian; three nephews and one
niece all living in Florida and Jefferson County, Alabama. Dr. Nazaretian attended Fairfield City Schools in Birmingham, Alabama graduating in June 1946. She received her B.s. Degree in Health and Physical Education in June 1950 from Montevallo. Dr. Nazaretian continued her studies at the University of Alabama earning a Master of Arts Degree in Health and Physical Education in May, 1958 and her Ed.D in 1979. Dr. Angeline Nazaretian, known as "Angie" or "Miss N" to her friends and colleagues, passed away Sunday morning, on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2019. She so loved holidays and it will be fitting that we remember her on all St. Patty's Days to come. There is no way possible to list all of the many accomplishments that she achieved throughout her lifetime. She touched many lives, opened many doors, and created opportunities in the physical, mental, and social health triangle, not only at Athens State but within the city of Athens and throughout the state of Alabama. Her mark is embedded in many regional and national organizations involving health and physical education. All of this started at Athens College in 1958 where she began her career in establishing a certified program in Health, Physical Education and Recreation; which she did. Through her efforts to reach the physical needs of those with intellectual disabilities, she created a Special Olympics Program at Athens College which mushroomed throughout the state of Alabama. She held the first Special Olympics competition in Alabama for 100 children at Athens State College in 1968 and served on the Alabama Special Olympics Board of Directors for twenty-five years. In addition to Special Olympics, she was selected by the National Olympics Committee to carry The Olympic Torch in Limestone County, Alabama on its way to Atlanta (at the age of 68.)In addition to her work with those with special needs, Dr. Nazaretian became a prominent leader throughout her community where she took on the creation of a fitness program, as well as a community service program for the elderly, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, better known as RSVP. Governor George C. Wallace recognized Dr. Nazaretian in 1983 by declaring "Angie Nazaretian Day" for her efforts with Special Children. Last, but not least in this brief sketch of her athletic capabilities, she was selected to be the Director and Coordinator of the "First Women Sports Conference" (NAGWS) which took place on the campus of then, Athens State College. This conference touched high schools, coaches and college women athletes, paving the way for many "firsts" in women's sports' competitions. She was recognized for these efforts by being selected and inducted into the Limestone Sports Hall of Fame and appointed to the Governor's Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports, serving the people throughout Alabama. Dr. Nazaretian spend 42 years working in the field of higher education. The last ten years of her tenure at Athens State University were dedicated to the Alumni Association where she continued to excel. In her ten years as Director, she continued to enhance the efforts of the alumni team, its board membership, and expand the alumni recognition and membership programs. To be honest, Athens State's name was first and foremost but a close second, was Alabama and "Roll Tide!" Ms. N was a Fifty Year Member of The Eastern Star and served as Worthy Matron of Chapter 214 during the 1980's and In 1999 she was appointed as Grand Representative of California in Alabama by Shirley Bozeman. She was appointed Grand Electa for the Order of the Eastern Star in the State of Alabama in 2004, received a special appointment from The Most Worthy Grand Matron and served as a Martha's Star for three years from 2003-2006. We could go on and on about the limitless achievements of this special "icon" but those of you who knew her, know her heart belonged to whomever she came in contact with. There were no strangers; wherever she was she touched lives. If she saw hunger ... she feed and nurtured many students that passed through the doors of the college. Students loved to sit on the porch of her house, on the southwest corner of campus or to take their children through her amazing house of collectibles. The house has set empty for many years and those days are gone with Ms. N, but the memories will continue to live on. To enhance the reality of this, the Athens State University Alumni Association has partnered with the University to renovate and restore The Nazaretian Home. The home is slated to be used for alumni events and as a welcome center for visitors to campus, as her personalized Athens State car tag said: "Ya'Il Come!"A Memorial Service will be held Thursday March 21, 2019 at Athens First Presbyterian Church located in downtown Athens, Alabama, with Spry Funeral Home, Athens directing. Visitation will be held from 3:00 until  4:00 pm. Service will begin at 4:00 pm. Pall Bearers will be Rick Mould, Tony Smith, Glenn Smith, James Miner, J. J. Donahue, Larry Oliver, and Don Johnston. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to benefit The Nazaretian Home on the Athens State campus. Memorial gifts should be made payable to:     

Athens State University Foundation                                                                                                        300 North Beaty Street
Athens, Alabama 35611

Gifts may also be made online at:www.athens.edu/giving/givetoday/. The Athens State University Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law. 

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