MANUEL MARDIROSSIAN

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved father, Manuel Mardirossian, who left us peacefully on Monday, September 29, 2025, surrounded by his three daughters, Margaret, Sophie and Alexandra.

A devoted family man, brilliant mathematician, accomplished entrepreneur, guiding force, and esteemed member of the Armenian community, Manuel’s generosity of spirit and kind heart touched all who knew him.

Predeceased by his sister, Hermine Mardirossian, Manuel will forever and lovingly be remembered and honored by his daughters Margaret Mardirossian (Bradley), Sophie Mardirossian, Alexandra Dagenais-Mardirossian (Jonathan), his grandchildren Natalie, Lucas and Katherine, his sisters Elo Zaroukian (Toros), Zevart Tanielian (late Girair), his nieces, nephews, their spouses and children.

Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, to parents who were survivors of the devastating Armenian Genocide, Manuel’s insatiable curiosity and determination led him to leave the comfort of his family and friends to pursue his University studies in electrical and mechanical engineering at the Polytechnique Montréal. Without any financial assistance or family ties in Canada, Manuel relied on his talent and skills as a musician to put himself through school until he interned as a junior engineer one summer in Baie- Comeau – an experience he often spoke fondly of.

It wasn’t long after Manuel arrived in Canada where he was introduced to a lovely newcomer from Athens, Rosie Manoukian. They wed in Beirut in 1959 and returned to Montreal to start a new life together. As a newlywed, fresh graduate and soon-to-be father of two, Manuel began his engineering career at the Catholic School Board Commission building schools and infrastructure throughout Montreal. He was also involved in building bunkers across Canada, namely the Penhold Bunker in Alberta – a project he felt very proud of and only disclosed his involvement with it when his daughters moved to Alberta years later.

Alongside his professional and parental responsibilities, Manuel was also devoted to the care of his sister, Hermine, who lived with a lifelong disability. It was a role Manuel embraced with love and a strong sense of family responsibility. Although his marriage ended within a few years, he remained a devoted father encouraging his daughters to be independent, adventurous and self-reliant.

In the early 70’s Manuel left the Catholic School Board commission to begin his new venture as a businessman and contractor. He founded Les Constructions Empire which grew to be a very successful business. Manuel was also instrumental in advising and building the Community Center adjacent to Montreal’s Sourp Hagop Church which houses a child care facility and is a central hub for cultural and spiritual events and activities for the Armenian community.

During this time, Manuel, a lifelong learner, enrolled in Arabic classes where he met Hélène Dagenais. Intelligent and equally curious, she shared his love of learning and stimulating conversations. He continued to be in this new relationship throughout the 70’s and into the 80’s at which time his third daughter was born.

Surrounded by three strong daughters, three devoted sisters, and an extraordinary mother, Manuel strongly supported women’s education, leadership, and independence. He championed higher learning, financial literacy, and spirited political discourse. Gifted with a photographic memory, he could recite Byron and Shelley from his school days, speak four languages, and recall with precision details as obscure as the population of a country in the 1940s.

Although Manuel was a very private and reserved introvert, he treasured the company of socially engaging friends and family. His unassuming humour and boyish grin brought warmth to every gathering. He especially enjoyed fatherhood, finding joy in simple moments raising his daughters. From pedal-boating and fishing in the Laurentians, skating and tobogganing at Beaver Lake, riding bumper cars and rollercoasters at Belmont Park, to savoring chocolate dipped ice cream cones at Dairy Queen on a hot summer’s night and barbecuing shish kebabs on a portable charcoal grill. Gratefully, the treasured memories are plentiful and indelibly etched in our minds.

Diagnosed with Lewy body disease in 2016, Manuel remained steadfast and unyielding to the disease. Calm and humble, he held hope that a cure would soon be found. He lived beyond the average timeline - a true testament to the strength of his character. His resilience, patience, and determination will remain an enduring inspiration.

We wish to extend our deepest appreciation to the staff of Sunrise Senior Living in Beaconsfield, Quebec, and to Customized Homecare—especially Elizabeth Brenfaa Ennin—for their compassion and care during Manuel’s final years. Their kindness, support, and dedication brought tremendous comfort to Manuel and to our family.

A special and heartfelt gratitude goes to Manuel’s geriatrician, Dr. Mélanie Mondou, for her attentive care, guidance, and unwavering support throughout this journey.

A funeral service will be held on October, 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Sourp Hagop Armenian Church, 3401 Rue Olivar-Asselin, Montreal. Burial to follow at St. Laurent Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Neurocognitive Disorders Training Program at McGill University https://www.alumni.mcgill.ca/give/index.php?allocations=07509