Honoring a son’s memory through helping

Gretchen Hoffman

GLENDALE -- When Savey Tufenkian immigrated to the United States in

1950, she knew little English and started working her way through college

cleaning floors and washing dishes.

More than 50 years later, she is a successful businesswoman, a pillar

of the Armenian community and the benefactor of schools and organizations

in Glendale and Armenia.

She received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor on May 11, an award

recognizing people who represent the essence of American life while

having preserved their own heritage.

Tufenkian, who has lived in Glendale for 27 years, was accompanied to

the ceremony -- aptly held on Ellis Island -- by 31 members of her family.

“I think it was the most patriotic, the most touching thing I have

ever seen,” she said. “People had tears in their eyes as they sang the

Star Spangled Banner. I never felt so American as I did when I sat

there.”

Tufenkian’s good works are evident both in Glendale and in her native

Armenia. After the 1988 earthquake devastated Armenia, she found medical

treatment and homes for 14 people.

She has built two schools in Armenia and a Glendale preschool bears

the name of her son -- her inspiration for helping people. Richard

Tufenkian died in a car accident in 1990.

“In his memory, all I want to do is help,” she said. “Deep in my

heart, I feel that I am fulfilling what I have missed -- my son, his

loss.”

Tufenkian is an active member of the United Armenian Fund, a board

member of The Alex Theatre and has been involved in various local

political campaigns and committees over the years.

The ideals behind the Ellis Island award -- living a life dedicated to

the American way while preserving the values of a cultural group -- are

ones Tufenkian stands behind.

“We’re American now, we’re living here,” Tufenkian said. “That’s

important.”

“I believe in good government and I believe in helping wherever I

can,” she added. “We need to make it safer for our children.”