Armenians around the world mourned the loss Former AGBU President and philanthropist Louise Manoogian Simone this week who passed away on February 18 at the age of 85. Louise will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to civic leadership and philanthropy and her unmatched passion for the promotion of the Armenian culture and heritage.

Click here to read the press release by the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU).

Louise was born in Detroit, Michigan to Alex and Marie Manoogian on May 19, 1933. Her father was an Armenian immigrant who left Turkey after the Armenian Genocide, developed the Delta single-handed faucet and went on to become one of America’s leading industrialists as the founder of MASCO corporation. Upon achieving business success, Alex used his resources to work tirelessly for the benefit of the Armenian people worldwide.

Louise inherited her parents’ passion for Armenians, which led her to follow in her father’s footsteps and serve on AGBU’s board, the world’s largest non-profit organization devoted to upholding the Armenian heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs around the world. In 1982, Louise made her first trip to Armenia, then still a Soviet Republic. She quickly fell in love with the country and over the next few years, returned frequently, bringing others with her, whether it be to make documentaries or to connect and contribute in other ways. Her brother, Richard Manoogian, joined her in supporting a number of projects in Armenia.

In 1988, after the deadly and devastating Spitak earthquake, Louise was on the first U.S. cargo plane delivering relief supplies and organizing rescue teams to support the disaster area on behalf of AGBU.

In 1989, Louise was elected the international president of AGBU and began directing operations in 31 countries and 74 cities.  She was in charge of the building and continued funding of schools, churches, scout programs and services for Armenians worldwide. She opened an office in Yerevan and when Armenia became an independent country following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Louise—through AGBU and her own resources—focused her efforts on rebuilding a newly independent homeland. She was a charter board member and a major benefactor of the American University of Armenia in Yerevan.

In 2002, after a million miles traveling around the world to oversee operations and projects, Louise retired as President of AGBU. However, she continued her significant charitable efforts through the Manoogian-Simone Foundation working with the Armenian Apostolic Church in reconstructing and maintaining hospitals, schools, historical monuments, and children’s and cultural centers. And as was always a theme throughout her life, Louise was a proud supporter of the arts and many artists.

Though she was most passionate about Armenian causes, Louise was also an invaluable benefactor to American universities, museums and cultural institutions, including the University of Michigan, Wayne State University and the Detroit Institute of Arts. She received many honors throughout her life, among them the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

Courtesy of Asbarez and the Armenian Weekly