Patricia “Tricia” Marie Chaghatzbanian, age 81, died June 18, 2025 at her home in Oxford. Born in Derby on April 2, 1944, she was the daughter of the late John and Mary Jachimowski Lechus. Ms. Chaghatzbanian was raised in Ansonia, graduated from Ansonia High School and earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Albertus Magnus College.
A teacher of History and Latin for over 35 years at Ansonia High School, she was known fondly to her students as “Mrs. Chaz.” A bold explorer of Europe and especially Italy when she was younger (alongside her close friend, Joan Giardina, of Ansonia), she loved serving as a Class Advisor, taking her students on trips both in the U.S. and internationally, and sharing her passion for ancient history and different cultures. She was also the Yearbook Advisor for many years, winning numerous awards with her students for their work.
Patricia was a dedicated member of multiple organizations, including Delta Kappa Gamma, St. Peter and St. Paul School Board, the Derby Historical Society, and the CT Fallen Heroes Foundation supporting Gold Star Families, where she had numerous pen pals among soldiers serving abroad. A member of the “Happy Hookers” Crochet Club of Oxford, Patricia created hundreds of crocheted afghans and personally donated them to Walter Reed Hospital and local Veteran organizations, as well as to Native American Reservations for young girls and to Griffin Hospital for breast cancer patients.
For her family and friends, she was always ready with a sharp joke and a laugh, as well as a helping hand. If you were going on a four-hour car trip, they all knew, she was the kind of person who would give you enough snacks and home-made goods to last for three days. She loved feeding the ducks and geese in her pond, and going on excursions to new restaurants, bookstores, gardening centers, and yarn stores.
She is survived by her devoted daughter, Sonia Chaghatzbanian and her partner, Blake Nebel, of Roxbury; a brother, John A. Lechus and his wife Linda of Virginia; a sister, Clare Pusateri and her husband, John Paul of South Carolina; and two nieces and a nephew, Leslie Ciruna of Toronto, Stephanie Knapp of Montana, and Kevin Pusateri of Minnesota, who dearly miss their “Cioci Tricia.”
Family and friends may call on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 9:00 to 10:30 AM at the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia. A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11:00 AM in Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 105 Clifton Avenue, Ansonia. Interment will follow in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Derby.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.
