As a Woman Saw It
A Selection of Writings from "The Armenian Observer" 1993-2004

Mireille Kalfayan, known affectionately by her family and friends as Mimi, was born on October 20, 1950, in Beirut, Lebanon. In 1970, she moved to the United States.

Mireille began writing a column, As A Woman Sees It, for the Armenian Observer newspaper in 1993. The depth and breadth of her life experience, underscored by a university education in psychology and comparative literature, served as the impetus for her weekly offerings of sage advice, ponderings and opinions on topics such as the Armenian culture and community, love and relationships, as well as family and childrearing. She wrote over 450 articles before she put down her pen on November 20,2004.

In her final column, Mireille informed readers that she would be taking an indefinite sabbatical. But none could have anticipated that her resonant voice would have been so prematurely extinguished. Mireille was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer shortly after her last column was published. She bore with grace and dignity the physical and emotional challenges of this ravenous disease. Her faith in Jesus Christ never faltered.

Mireille died on August 5, 2005. Her absence has left a palpable void in the chorus of voices in the Armenian community. Her prolific writing, however, serves as a lasting reminder of her dynamic spirit, deep faith, kind heart and engaging humor.