On the eve of the Armenian Genocide anniversary and the marvelous Day of Resurrection, on the Great Saturday I received extremely sad news: a great friend of Armenia and Armenians, my colleague, the Chief Comissar of the Year of Armenia in France from the French side Nelly Tardivier-Henroi passed away.

Due to my job, I often communicate with people of other nationalities, who either deal or work in the spheres of the Armenian Diaspora, culture, Armenian studies. I have dealt with various scientists and experts of Armenian topics, but it is rare to meet a person, who would so deeply understand the Armenian spirit, have such great love towards Armenia and the Armenian people, like Nelly Tardivier-Henroi did.

During conversations about any sphere of Armenian culture she would take one extremely neat notebook out of her purse, would immediately open the necessary page and would provide such volume of information about the latest developments in the sphere, the modern artists, their works and exhibitions that even Armenians specialists could find numerous new facts for themselves there.

Modest and honest, this woman, with her smile, her words, even with her look could solve any, even seemingly unsolvable problem and ease the tension. Her creative and inquisitive mind was a deposit for the most important achievements of the Year of Armenia in France.    

Before meeting Mrs. Nelly, I had been communicating with French people rarely and mostly in the frames of diplomacy. My love towards France and French people, the rich and exquisite perception of that culture in me were greatly conditioned by her personality.

In large and volumetric joint work we frequently disputed and opposed each other trying to find the best solutions. If I ever offended by loved friend, I immediately apologized. But today, I don’t consider it out of place to say once again: I’m sorry, if I ever said or did something wrong, I have always deeply respected and loved you.

Most diverse opinions were voiced after the Year of Armenia in France: who was the author of “Arménie Mon Amie” motto. But this is not important at all. The important point is that there are numerous people in France that have proved it by their deeds, not by words, and a special place among them belongs to Mrs. Nelly.

The news about the dearly loved friend deeply saddened my numerous colleagues from the sphere of art and culture in Armenia. They remember with great gratitude all the efforts that were made by Mrs. Tardivier to prepare and hold over 1200 events in the frames of the Year of Armenia in France. But even before that for decades she closely cooperated with the Armenian community of France, was the devoted friend and a well-wisher of our people.

Nelly loved Armenian apricots very much. Once she told me that she was dreaming of having a small piece of land in Armenia, where apricot trees would grow. Unfortunately, she did not manage to realize that dream, but in the memory of my dearly loved friend, I will certainly plant an apricot tree and it will carry the name of Nelly Tardivier-Henroi. And I will send the harvest to her friends, colleagues and relatives on her behalf every year. May that dream, my dear friend, come true at least this way.

One more thing: Nelly had extreme fondness and love towards the culture of khachkars (cross-stones). Together with her, we organized transfer of approximately 30 khachkars from most different corners of Armenia to Louvre in Paris, where they were exhibited and became the cornerstone of “Armenia Sacra” exposition. I suggest that dear Nelly’s family choose any place in France, where a specially-made khachkar will be placed. It will be ordered by her friends in Armenia in the memory of Mrs. Nelly Tardivier-Henroi. 

We lost a dear friend and a wonderful person, whose memory will remain in our hearts forever.

Rest in peace, friend of Armenia…

Vigen Sargsian is the Deputy Head of the Armenian President’s Administration and teaches at the American University of Armenia. He was the Chief Comissar of the Year of Armenia in France from the Armenian side.

These views are his own.