Alumni Necrology

Catherine Petrossian ’81

Catherine Petrossian ’81, a lawyer and former assistant district attorney, was born on September 14, 1959. A daughter of Kenarik and George Petrossian, a textile company executive, she was an enthusiastic ice skater during her teenage years and performed in shows sponsored by the Metropolitan Figure Skating Association. She also had a passion for music and was a pianist and guitar player. Cathy Petrossian entered Kirkland College in 1977 from Manhasset on Long Island, following her graduation from Paul D. Schreiber High School in Port Washington. Interested in psychology, she concentrated in that subject, earning department honors as well as election to the psychology honorary society Psi Chi. She was graduated from Hamilton in 1981.

Cathy Petrossian, who was later graduated from St. John’s Law School, became an assistant district attorney in her native Nassau County. She subsequently established her own law practice in New York City. The College has no additional information on her activities.

Catherine Petrossian died on December 13, 2010. In addition to her father and her husband, Berge Avedisian, she is survived by a brother and two sisters. They and her many friends will miss her “kind heart, beautiful smile, and good nature.” Because of her interest and involvement with the careers of women in music, a foundation has been established in her name in New York City to further that cause.