V. "Rose" Karentz

The Portland State University Walk of the Heroines is a wonderful way to honor my mother, Vartanoush "Rose" Karentz. My mom is 87 years old at the time I am writing this and is just celebrating her 65th wedding anniversary with my father, Varoujan Karentz. 

V. Rose Karentz (maiden name Haroian) was born on June 3, 1928, in Granite City, Illinois. She is the youngest of five siblings. As first-generation, Armenian-Americans, my mom and dad instilled in us a pride in our ethnicity and heritage. At age 22, she married my dad and moved from Illinois to his home state of Rhode Island, where they still live today.

I attribute my mom with so much of who I am and what I can do. There was never a time growing up or as an adult when I did not feel my mom's love. She taught me skills (how to sew, cook, build a stonewall, and operate a table saw). I learned about kindness, how to love life and how to love others from her. She is an amazing seamstress, cook, and hostess. We never sat idle and we were always doing or making something. Our house was full of friends, family, and great food. She has always been there to celebrate my happiest moments, as well as the sad and difficult moments in my life -- always caring, never judging, and never ever dispensing one ounce of guilt.

My mom has a great sense of humor and reminds me all the time -- a day above ground is a good one. It is a saying I often repeat to myself and to others as a reminder that we should be grateful for each and every day. I learned that from her.

I moved away from home in 1971 when I went off to college and never moved back. I do see my mom a number of times a year. Recently, I shared with her some sadness I felt that I have never lived close by. Her words to me say a lot about who she is: "We gave you wings so you could fly and we are so proud of what you have accomplished. You should not feel sad at all." What a lovely gift a mom can give her daughter.

There may be nothing special about my mom to someone who does not know her. She has a high school education and does not have a distinguishing professional career. Having said that, everyone who knows her will tell you what an extraordinary woman she is. Her generosity, friendship, love and creativity make her one of the most special people in the world to me and to many others who know her. Her life is noteworthy and she has made a difference to everyone who has had the pleasure to have her in his or her life.

Thanks Mom for everything you have given me, for your patience and love as I succeeded and failed, and for giving me curly hair!

Love, your daughter, Sona Karentz Andrews