Long-time community leader, activist and benefactor Savey Tufenkian passed away on Wednesday.

Tufenkian was a singular force in the Armenian community of the Western United States, spearheading many projects and efforts that benefitted Armenia, Artsakh and the Armenian Nation.

Most notably, Savey and her husband, Ralph, became the major benefactors of the Tufenkian pre-school, ensuring that generations would receive quality early childhood education in an Armenian environment.

Tufenkian was an active supporter various Armenian organizations, including Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region, Armenian Cultural Foundation and Armenian Educational Foundation, as well as Asbarez.

On behalf of the management, editorial board and staff of Asbarez, we offer our heartfelt condolences to her husband, Ralph, her children and the entire Tufenkian, Shirvanian, Petrossian and Hacobian families.