Obituaries

Ankin Bertelsen, 94, Professional Trained Soprano

She was a founding member of The Massenet Society of New Jersey and sang the lead in "Annie Get Your Gun" and "Oklahoma."

FORT LEE, NJ — Ankin Bertelsen, 94, of Cresskill, formerly of Fort Lee, a longtime professional singer and soloist, died Nov. 8.

She was born and raised in Fort Lee. From the time she was a child and throughout her life, after her family, her true love was music, singing and opera.

She was a professional trained Soprano, she sang for years with the Choral Society of Cliffside Park and then the New Jersey Chorale. She was the lead singer for many years in performances of "Amahl and the Night Visitors," "Annie Get Your Gun," and "Oklahoma."

Find out what's happening in Fort Leefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

She also sang professionally at weddings and funerals throughout New Jersey and New York City.

She was the former soloist at the First Church of Christ, Scientist. She was a founding member of The Massenet Society of New Jersey.

Find out what's happening in Fort Leefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Amore Chapter 176 for more than 60 years.

She was predeceased of her husband of 62 years Harold and sister Hasmig.

She is survived by her children Nils; grandchildren Kara, Adams, Kymm and Ghaznavi; great-grandchildren Bradford, Karoline and Weston; nieces Ani, Elena, Melene, Elaine and Carol; nephew Arthur and sister Dicran.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the Armenian Missionary Association of America Inc, Paramus; the Hyramoush Isabelle Gedickian Memorial Fund or a charity of your choice.


Email daniel.hubbard@patch.com. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.

Image via Shutterstock

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Fort Lee