Bobbye Acopian, 91, of Easton, died peacefully on Sunday, August 8th, surrounded by her children and grandchildren who kept vigil at her bedside. Born November 9, 1929, in Choate, Texas, she was the daughter of the late Joel and Anna Mixon. Bobbye grew up in Pawnee, Texas, and graduated from Pawnee High School in a graduating class of eight. She then went to business school in San Antonio, Texas. While at school, she had a blind date to play tennis with her future husband, Sarkis Acopian, who was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. His studies at Lafayette College were interrupted by his service at Lackland. That was the first and only time he ever played tennis and the last time Bobbye played for the next 28 years! They shared 59 years of marriage, until his death in 2007.
She was an extremely kind and vibrant individual, and was known for her sense of grace and elegance. She had a keen interest in art, particularly sculpting. Her own artistic creations enlivened her family residence. Bobbye was an avid tennis player who was in her late 40s when she started seriously playing. She played on various women’s teams throughout the Lehigh Valley into her early 80s. One of her most exciting memories was when her team advanced to the USTA League Super Senior National Championships after winning the USTA Middle States Super Senior League Section Championships.
Bobbye shared her husband’s deep love for the community, the environment and philanthropy. Together, they did much for local, national and international causes which have included: The Acopian Engineering Center at Lafayette College, the Acopian Center for Conservation Learning at the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, the Acopian Center for Ornithology at Muhlenberg College, the Acopian Center for the Environment at the American University of Armenia (AUA), the Acopian Ballroom at the State Theater, and the Acopian West Campus at the Children’s Home of Easton.
They also endowed the environmental and educational programs at the AUA and the Florida Institute of Technology. Other major philanthropic endeavors have included the St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church in Gyumri, Armenia, and the St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Charlotte, NC, the Embassy of Armenia, in Ottawa, Canada, and the Nature Conservancy Acopian Bog Turtle Preserve. Bobbye and Sarkis were the largest individual donors to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
She is survived by her sons: Gregory and his wife Karen of Indialantic, FL, and Jeffrey and his wife Helen of Easton; six grandchildren: Ansley, Shae, Ezra, Gregory, Ani and Natalie; five great-grandchildren: Vegas, Sakura, Boston, Beau and Tallulah.
Services are private; the Ashton Funeral Home in Easton is handling arrangements. Interment is in Easton Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Offer online condolences atwww.AshtonFuneralHome.com
Linda Arnold
August 11, 2021 at 7:22 am
I was fortunate to have known Bobbye through our love for playing tennis. She was a very gracious and beautiful lady with a kind heart. Prayers and hugs for her family…
Joan Starnes
August 11, 2021 at 9:47 am
Bobbye has for many years been a tennis friend of mine with years of tournaments and traveling together for another round of friendship and laughter. I will miss her. Bobbye has a very close family situation and I pray that this difficult time for all of you will know that she is in the hands of God and she loved each and everyone of you.
Ralph Marinetti
August 11, 2021 at 11:26 am
My condolences to Jeff and Family on the passing of you mother. She is with your dad in a better place. May she rest in peace.
Ralph Marinetti
Patti Price
August 11, 2021 at 11:41 am
Dear Jeff, Greg and all Acopian family members,
Bobbye was a beautiful, classy woman who dearly loved her family and community. Everyone in Easton and surrounding area has benefited in one way or another from knowing your parents (grandparents) and/or from experiences at any of the fine educational and cultural organizations they supported. Surely you will never run out of wonderful stories to share about her.
Warmly, Patti
Grace Principato
August 11, 2021 at 1:24 pm
Bobbye was one of the nicest persons I have ever Known! Our friendship began at The Philadelphia Art Museum, but we didn’t start having breakfast together until a few years ago, and I visited her in Florida. When I spoke to her a few weeks ago, she said she was not doing well. I am deeply sorry to learn of her death. She will always be my definition of a classy lady.” I will miss her!
Jean Luff
August 11, 2021 at 10:10 pm
I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to play tennis with Bobbye which grew into a friendship. She was the most gracious lady I have known. When the Lord calls our loved ones home he leaves a gift of memories in exchange. When your heart is empty, filling it with happy memories can help you through this difficult time.
Cathey Harper
August 12, 2021 at 6:06 am
With Aunt Bobbye’s passing, the world’s treasury of remarkable women has lost one of its rarest jewels. She was not only my mother’s most cherished friend, she was her saving grace when mom’s life drew to a close. I know they are embracing in the hereafter, finally reunited with Uncle Sarkis and their parents. My heart shares the grief and sorrow of Jeff and Greg and their families.
Murnie Dragotta
August 12, 2021 at 12:27 pm
Bobbye was a special lady, always gracious, pleasant, and personable. I was blessed to have had the opportunity to play tennis with her many times, Deepest condolences to the family.
Daniel Klem, Jr.
August 12, 2021 at 1:01 pm
Gracious, generous, and kind; with Sarkis she ensured our health and enriched our lives as only improving our well-being can do. We are forever grateful to her. Thank you for being you Bobbye. Our sincerest condolences to her precious family, friends, and all those who care about her. The Klem Family
SEAN GRACE
August 12, 2021 at 5:58 pm
On behalf of Hawk Mountain, I wanted to share our condolences with the Acopian family. Bobbye and Sarkis were extremely generous and through their philanthropy we have been able to make an impact for raptor conservation around the globe. A mission that lives on. During this difficult time know that all of us at Hawk Mountain will be forever grateful and are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Mary Karapetian Alvord
August 12, 2021 at 8:06 pm
Condolences to all the Acopian family. I remember “Aunt Bobbie as a vibrant, kind and soft spoken lady. May you all continue to celebrate her values, accomplishments and generosity. And, in memory of your father/grandfather/great grandfather, Sarkis.
Love, Mary and Greg Alvord
Tom Kerr
August 13, 2021 at 10:25 am
Heartfelt condolences to the Acopian family. Bobbye’s obituary delineates an extraordinary life of charity and care for what is important — surely a life well-lived. I like picturing her reunion with Sarkis.
Clara Reuther
August 16, 2021 at 7:31 am
My deepest condolences to the Acopian family. I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs.Acopian at 3 of their Christmas parties at Hotel Eason when married to one of their employees. She was a very gracious lady. Hugs to all of you.