Jean Markarian

Beloved mother, wife, and sister, Jean Markarian passed away at 98 on June 30, 2025.

Jean was born in Perris, California on 8/14/1926.  She grew up in Redondo Beach sharing a large farmhouse with her four siblings. They spent many happy days playing at the ocean.   

At 18, she joined the Navy as a WAVE.  She was about to set off for her basic training when WWII ended. Although she never served, she was always proud of her enlistment with the WAVEs.

Jean was known for her wonderful sense of humor. As a young woman, she wrote jokes and sold one of them to comedian Phyllis Diller. Even in her later years, she kept her talent for witty one-liners endearing her to those around her.

Jean was very close to her beloved sister June Hamilton. When June moved from San Francisco to Guerneville in the 1950’s, she tagged along. It was in Guerneville Jean met Joe Markarian. They enjoyed a long marriage until Joe passed away in 2001.

Her very curious mind was always active. Jean never met a problem she didn’t want to solve. She was a born inventor and developed many products over the years obtaining several U.S. patents. Her most successful product was the “Garlic Baker” which she sold to Boston Warehouse Company where it was mass produced and carried in stores nation-wide.   Jean had a special twinkle in her eye and contagious enthusiasm for life when she was working on an invention.

Jean was one of the founders of the Russian River Health Center in Guerneville. She went back to school in her forties and obtained a medical assisting degree from the Santa Rosa Junior College. She worked as a medical assistant at the health center for 18 years and especially loved providing care to children.

While she had many accomplishments, Jean’s favorite role was that of mother and grandmother. Her love and devotion towards her children and grandchildren were evident in all she did.

Jean is survived by her son Gary Markarian (Rene) and daughter Diana Sowell (David); grandson Zachary Markarian and granddaughters Claire Markarian and Erika Sowell. She is predeceased by husband Joe Markarian, sisters June Hamilton and Betty Hartley and brothers John Imus and Donald Imus. 

No services are planned. Donations may be made in her name to Providence Hospice Sonoma County.