Rose Krikorian

Our beloved, "Auntie" Rose Krikorian, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2011, at the age of 101.

The youngest of six children, Rose was born August 8, 1910, in Fresno, California to Hagop and Ahgavni Magarian. She was a graduate of Fresno High School and attended Fresno State College. She worked for Frank E. Beckett Dodge and Plymouth as a secretary for nearly 20 years before becoming a legal secretary for her brother, Attorney Gaspar Magarian.

In the midst of World War II, Rose married her longtime childhood friend, Haig Krikorian. After the war, they spent the next four decades building Krikorians' Nursery into a very successful business. Rose's tenacious and energetic ways were an inspiration to her family and friends.

Rose and Haig were unable to have children of their own but through the years, the close relationships they enjoyed with their nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren were a constant source of abundant joy.

Nurtured with love, raised with integrity, given a strong work ethic, and blessed with longevity, Rose was truly an indomitable spirit. There wasn't anything she couldn't do once she set her mind to it. She was an excellent bookkeeper, an avid gardener and bridge player, a wonderful cook, a devoted wife, a generous supporter of her church and a truly inspirational Auntie to her family. Always present, ever strong, concerned, generous and thrifty were traits she embraced and encouraged. We will miss her strength and love.

She was a member of the Daughters of Vartan and a long-time member and Officer of the Dorcas Guild at Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church. Her generosity touched many lives and she will be remembered with much love and appreciation.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Haig Krikorian; her brothers, Gaspar, Arsen, Sooren and Frank Magarian; her sister, Mary Malkasian; and nephew, Dr. James L. Magarian.

She is survived by her nephews, Donald Magarian and his wife, Carol of San Diego; Marvin Magarian of Fresno; Dr. Alan Malkasian and his wife, Dorothy of Visalia; Dr. Denny Malkasian, and his wife, Dr. Kay Malkasian of Newport Beach; Tom Kirk and his wife Melanie of Las Vegas and Michael and Sandy Krikorian of Santa Rosa; her nieces, Elaine Kamian and her husband, Frank of Aptos; Barbara Magarian, Judi Magarian-Gold and her husband Bernard Gold and Janet Kardashian and her husband, Varus Kardashian all of Fresno; 16 grand nieces and nephews and 21 great-grand nieces and nephews and many more cousins.

Interment services will be held at Fresno Memorial Gardens, 175 S. Cornelia Avenue at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2011. A memorial service to celebrate her life will follow at 10:45 a.m. at the Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church, 3673 N. 1st Street in Fresno.

Remembrances in her memory can be made to Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church.