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Janet Carol Marashian

1941 - 2024

Janet Carol Marashian obituary, 1941-2024, Fresno, CA

BORN

1941

DIED

2024

Janet Marashian Obituary

Janet Carol Marashian

January 8, 1941 - October 18, 2024

Fresno, California - January 8th, 1941 - October 18th, 2024.

Beloved wife, mother and sister, devoted educator, gifted soprano, passionate animal-lover, champion of underdogs and bane of bullies, Janet Carol Marashian lived life on her own terms for more than eight decades.

Born prematurely on January 8, 1941, Janet was adopted soon after-- together with her identical twin sister, Joan-- by Dr. Avedian Alexander, Fresno's first Armenian dentist, and his wife, Sadie.

From an early age, Janet showed a talent for music, singing Mozart's famously difficult Queen of the Night aria at just 14. She also showed a keen sense of justice and a fierce fighting spirit.

Graduating from Fresno High School in 1958, Janet attended Fresno City College and the University of the Pacific in Stockton, from which she graduated in 1962 with a degree in Elementary Education. She began her teaching career at Marshall Elementary in Fowler, where students fondly recall her to this day.

An avid traveler, Janet first toured Europe in 1963, venturing as far as Moscow. Returning to Europe in 1966, she taught on the American military base in Worms, Germany, and studied voice at the music school in Mannheim.

Back in Fresno, Janet was drawn to her future husband, Edward Marashian, Jr., after attending a slide-show presentation of his own travels in Europe. The couple were married at Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church in June of 1969 and had three children together.

Janet instilled a love of learning and a passion for music and the arts in her children, and was very proud that all three attended Ivy League colleges. She continued to work as a substitute teacher into her 60s and to travel at every opportunity.

In the early 1990s, Janet and Joan tracked down their birth mother, Josephine Allen (née Ponte), a member of the Portuguese-American community of Kerman. The twins forged a lasting bond with Josephine and came to identify strongly with their Portuguese roots.

Diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2017, Janet summoned her fighting spirit once more: Reading voraciously, playing brain games and taking notes, she managed to remember names, engage in conversations and retain her sharp wit until her final days.

Janet is survived by her husband, Edward, who doted on her to the end; her son Alex Marashian, his wife, Vida, and their daughters, Sadie and Lulu; her son Eddie Marashian and his husband, Fred Sala; her daughter Julianne Burk, Julianne's husband, Cord, and their daughter Flora Burk; her twin sister Joan Quintana and Joan's husband, Ben; and her half-brother, Steve Allen.

Friends and family are warmly invited to a service in celebration of Janet's memory at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, at Pilgrim Armenian Congregational church, 3673 N. First St., Fresno, CA, 93726. A lunch will follow in the church social hall at 12:30 p.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fresno Bee from Oct. 22 to Oct. 25, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Janet Marashian

Not sure what to say?





Joan Quintana

February 14, 2025

I miss you so much, but know you are with Jesus . Love you forever my beloved sister!

Jake

November 25, 2024

Mrs. Marashian used to sub my classes at Gibson Elementary when I was a kid. She was a great lady!

[email protected]

October 29, 2024

May God Bless the Marashian Family as we remember a life well lived.

Joan Quintana

October 28, 2024

Joan Quintana

October 28, 2024

Single Memorial Tree

Diane Kelly

Planted Trees

Single Memorial Tree

The Harry Shirejian Family

Planted Trees

Kathy and Richard

October 24, 2024

We knew Janet through her beautiful daughter Julianne's and my daughter Jenny's very long and very close friendship. The beauty and kindness and love that shined through Janet will continue to be exemplified through Juls and other family. Our deepest condolences, love and prayers to all who loved Janet. Kathy and Richard Crowe

Joan Quintana

October 23, 2024

In loving memory of my precious and talented twin sister. We will love you and miss you always. Till we meet again in heaven. Joan and Ben

Single Memorial Tree

Alicia Delgado-Burk

Planted Trees

Single Memorial Tree

Sommer Hijazi

Planted Trees

Joan Quintana

October 23, 2024

In loving memory of a cherished and beloved, twin sister. We will love you and miss you always.

Robyn Marootian

October 23, 2024

This beautiful woman was my teacher at Marshall Elementary school, and I truly loved her. She was pretty, sweet, and fun ~she made me feel special ~ and she will always be one of my most beloved teachers in Fowler. May she rest in peace

Jerry Najarian

October 23, 2024

My sincere condolences to the Marashian family. Janet was like a spark to me with her quick wit. I´ll miss all the birthdays we had with her whenever we went out to dinner. Janet thanks for the memories and may you rest in peace. Love you Jerry Najarian.

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Memorial Events
for Janet Marashian

Oct

24

Celebration of Life

10:00 a.m.

Pilgrim Armenian Congregational church

3673 N. First St., Fresno, CA

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