The Athens-Limestone community lost one of its brightest lights this week with the death Sunday of Dr. Angeline Nazaretian after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Nazaretian grew up in the Birmingham area but had been a presence at Athens State University since 1958, then known as Athens College. She enjoyed a 42-year career in higher education, spending the last 10 years of her career as part of Athens State’s Alumni Association.

While a member of the school’s faculty, she was the director of the health and physical education program. One of her chief causes was promoting physical activity for those diagnosed with intellectual disabilities.

The first Special Olympics competition held in Alabama occurred in 1968 on the campus of Athens College and featured 100 children. She also served on the Alabama Special Olympics Board of Directors for 25 years. Her commitment to the cause led former Gov. George Wallace to declare an Angeline Nazaretian Day in Limestone County in 1983. It also led to her being inducted into the Limestone County Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

Betty Ruth, director of Athens-Limestone Retired Senior Volunteers Program (RSVP), met Nazaretian in 1974. At the time, Nazaretian was president of the American Red Cross chapter in Limestone County, and Ruth was a volunteer. The two became fast friend, Ruth said, because both had a love for the community they served.

Four years later, when the interim director for R.S.V.P. left the post, Nazaretian recommended Ruth apply for the job. At the time, R.S.V.P. was under the umbrella of Athens State University, which allowed her and Nazaretian to continue their friendship.

“There was never an event that she didn’t spearhead that I wasn’t involved in as well,” Ruth said. “She was probably one of the first people who was the head of the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. She recruited me to be on the committee and was a great organizer. A lot of the things we do today is because of her influence and help hosting a parade.”

Ruth also credited Nazaretian with uncovering what is now known as Big Springs Memorial Park and spearheading Robert Allen Tinnon Park on Fifth Avenue.

“She wanted every neighborhood to have a park where kids could play in a safe environment,” Ruth said.

Rick Mould, former vice president of Advancement at Athens State, said he couldn’t think of anyone who loved the institution as much as Nazaretian.

“She was the biggest cheerleader I ever ran across,” he said. “She intersected with so many people over the years. We’d have an alumni event and someone would ask, ‘What’s Dr. N. up to?’ People thought she was the face of Athens State.”

Ruth recalled Nazaretian’s acts of kindness during the days when students lived on campus. If there were students who were hungry, Ruth said she would give them money for food.

“She’d ask someone if they were going home, and if they said ‘no,’ she’d ask why not. If they said they didn’t have money for gas, she’d reach in her pocket and give them money,” Ruth said. “I saw her do that time and time again and she never asked or expected to be repaid.”

Though she had lived at an assisted living facility since 2012, Ruth and Mould both said Nazaretian’s legacy of philanthropy and caring is secure. Ruth said it was fitting that Nazaretian’s house was at the entrance of Athens State’s campus so she could see everything going on.

“We’ll miss the little lady who was an innovative thinker who wanted the best for her community,” Ruth said. “This community was her heart and soul.”

Funeral information for Nazaretian can be found on page 3A of today’s paper.