Nafina (Shekerimedjian) (Chilinguirian) Aroosian

Nafina Aroosian is the material grandmother of Peter Balakian. Nafina is quiet about her past, but occasionally tells Peter fairy tales and legends of Armenian descent. She, along with the other Aroosian women, loves to cook, and takes pride in her family and household. It is only after her death that Peter learns of his grandmother's past and learns of her tremendous courage. In Armenia in 1915, Nafina's family was slaughtered during the Armenian genocide. Both parents, her in-laws, her brothers and sisters,and all their children are killed.