Dear AAHPO Family,
It is with sadness that we mark the unexpected passing of Olympia Jebejian, of Englewood Cliffs, NJ, on October 19, 2021. A medical educator for 50 years, Olympia was a friend to AAHPO, and a teacher, mentor and advisor to thousands of future scientists, professors and physicians.
Visitation with the Jebejian family will be today, October 21, at St. Thomas Armenian Church, 174 Essex Dr., Tenafly, NJ, from 5 pm to 7 pm. Funeral services will be tomorrow, October 22 at St. Thomas Church at 11 am.
“Olympia was always so eager to help others and offer pre-Med advice when called upon by AAHPO. She was impactful and will very much be missed. Our condolences to the Jebejian family, who were her passionate focus even as she fulfilled an accomplished career,” noted AAHPO President Lawrence V. Najarian, MD.
Born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1940 to parents Stepan and Marie Tabibian, Olympia graduated with honors at the age of 15 from the Armenian General Benevolant Union’s Tarouhi Hagopian Girls’ High School. She then studied Chemistry at the American University of Beirut, eventually receiving both her Bachelors and Masters degrees. She married Hagop Shahe Jebejian in Beirut in 1967. Following University, Olympia taught college-level math and chemistry in Beirut.
Olympia and Shahe emigrated to the United States in 1969 and settled in Fort Lee, NJ. They welcomed their son Sarkis later that very same year, followed by their daughter Maria in 1973.
In 1970, Olympia embarked on her decades-long professional passion, joining the Chemistry Department at Barnard College of Columbia University, rising eventually to Director of General Chemistry Laboratories and Dean of Premedical Students.
Olympia was active in Armenian community life. Notable among her many endeavors, she taught for almost 20 years at the Kirikian Armenian School of St. Thomas Armenian Church as well as at the Khrimian Lyceum of the Diocese of the Armenian Church.
Olympia was predeceased by her brother Jivan Tabibian and sister Ani Hagopian. She is survived by her husband, Hagop Shahe, their son, Sarkis and daughter-in-law, Maral, their daughter Maria Stepanian and son-in-law Bryan Stepanian, and beloved grandchildren Robby, Shahe, Arto and Katia,
Interment will be at Brookside Cemetery, Englewood, NJ.
The family has requested that In Lieu of Flowers donations be made to Kirikian Armenian School of St. Thomas and St. Nersess Armenian Seminary
