GRACE MCCAUGHAN

Grace (Khushigian) McCaughan, age 100 and a half, passed away on Friday, September 16, 2016, surrounded by caregivers and nurses. A Fresno native born on January 11, 1916, to Armenian im-migrant farmers, Veronica and Armenag Khushigian, Grace was the second of five siblings. Summers were spent working in packing houses and canneries of Fresno and northern California with her mother and sisters. After grad-uation from Clovis High School in 1933, with her sister Alice, she and sister Anne moved to Oakland, CA, where they worked at the Naval Supply Terminal. Grace met Paul McCaughan, and best friend, Merlin Elder, while the two were in the United States Navy. The McCaughan's married in 1947, in the Richmond, CA home they purchased. Later, Grace focused on raising two sons and provided daycare for nephew, Keith Elder. Brothers-in-law, Paul and Merlin, worked for PG&E in Emeryville, CA, and in 1985, the McCaughan's followed the Elder's to Clovis, CA, reuniting with siblings and cousins. Grace was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Paul McCaughan; and siblings, Alice Cannon, Anne Elder and Aram Khushigian. She is survived by sons, Vernon McCaughan and wife Linda of Atascadero, CA, and Dennis McCaughan and wife Helen of Clovis, CA; grandson, Kevin McCaughan and wife Valerie of San Jose, CA; granddaughter, Kelly McCaughan of Tampa, FL; sister, Mary Zimmer of Fresno, CA; sister-in-law, Judy Gilbert of Maryland; brother-in-law, Reggie McCaughan of Illinois; cousins, Penny Emerzian, Archie Koenig, and Joyce Krikorian; and many nieces, nephews and cousins' children A heartfelt thanks to Dr. Flauta; Chaplain Steve Conner; staff and volunteers of Optimal Hospice; Hand In Hand Assisted Living; and caregiver, Virginia Flores, whom Grace loved. A Graveside Service will be held at Clovis Cemetery on Wednesday, September 28, 2016, at 1:00 p.m., where Grace, Paul, Anne and Merlin will eternally rest together again. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fresno's Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church; or Optimal Hospice Foundation.