Nevart "Rose" Zeibari

Nevart "Rose" Zeibari died with dignity on September 30, 2023 at the Pocopson Home in West Chester, PA, after a year-long convalescence. She was surrounded by the love and prayers of her family.

Rose was a long-time resident of Upper Darby and a retired esthetician and the former proprietor of Zeibari Electrolysis (located at 12th and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia).

Rose's life was one of self-sacrifice, ethnic persecution, wars in the Middle East, immigration, financial struggle, hard work, dogged determination and self-made success.

Before becoming an entrepreneur in 1977, Rose juggled several jobs for many years in order to get ahead. She was always a top producing saleswoman in the beauty industry. She worked  for companies such as John Wanamaker, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy's. In her later years she worked part-time at Le Papillon Salon in Jenkintown; where she had the pleasure of working alongside the people she loved; her brother, nephew, niece and two sister in-laws.

Rose had a devoted following of customers who she treated as friends. With her steely blue eyes, blonde hair, and flawless skin, not only was she a natural beauty but she had the gift of making women look and feel beautiful!  She loved her work.

In all she did, Rose never forgot her roots.  Her  mother and father, Takouhi and Toros Zeibari of Tarsus, Historic Armenia, were survivors of the Armenian Genocide (1915-1923).

Providence brought the persecuted family to Palestine. The Zeibaris were finally free from the grasp of Turkey's brutal ethnic cleansing, and were able to live and worship freely, if only for a time. Rose was named after her cousin Nevart who was lost to the genocide as a little girl.

Rose Zeibari and her siblings were born and raised in Nazareth, Palestine, the town Jesus called home. Living in the shadow of history and miraculous Bible stories, being a Nazarene and a Christian was  central to her identity.

As the oldest daughter of nine children, the role of mother's helper was one she did not relish, but Rose met the responsibility with courage and tenacity especially during the outbreak of war.  It's how she learned to be an overcomer and in life's hardest situations.

In the mid-1950's Rose's family was displaced again and moved to the neighboring country of Lebanon, but the constant threat of civil war finally brought the family to the USA in 1966 after a ten year wait. She lived in Upper Darby from then until 2022.

Rose was a dedicated volunteer of the Armenian Girl Scouts, St. Mark's Women's Guild, The Armenian Red Cross, and The Armenian Sisters Academy.

She was always young at heart and very generous. She sprinkled Christmas joy to everyone in her large extended family.  Not only did she make sure everyone got a beautifully wrapped present, but she entertained everyone with belly laughs by dressing up as Santa!

Rose enjoyed exercise, photography, playing backgammon and cards, large family gatherings, Armenian dances, trips to the Jersey shore, ice cream and making baked goods for others.

She is survived by her siblings, Noel and Zohrab Zeibari, Mary Balian and Josephine Davidian. She was loved by nine nieces and nephews, and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Rose had a vibrant and positive outlook on life even in her final days. She did not define herself by chronological age.

Family and friends are invited to attend the service on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at St. Mark's Armenian Catholic Church , 400 Haverford Rd. Wynnewood, PA 19096. Visitation will be from 10:00 -11:00 am followed by Mass at 11:00 am. Burial will immediately follow the Mass at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery , 1600 S. Sproul Rd. Springfield, PA 19064.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mark's Armenian Catholic Church or The Armenian Sisters Academy.

May God enlighten her eternal soul.

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Arrangements: Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home
www.haganfuneralhome.com