Mary Lou Bagdasarian

1938 - 2022

Mary Lou Bagdasarian
March 12, 1938 - March 6, 2022
Fresno , California - Mary Lou Bagdasarian, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 6, 2022, just six days before her 84th birthday. A native of Fresno, Mary Lou, graduated from Roosevelt High School and attended Fresno State, leading her to a 38 year career in teaching at Lone Star School in Sanger Unified.
Mary Lou built the educational foundation for countless children – as a kindergarten teacher, she made learning fun and engaging through joyful songs and stories. She retired from Sanger Unified in 1998, leaving her mark forever on Lone Star's campus, when the kindergarten playground was dedicated to her as a pennant of gratitude for her profound impact on the grammar school.
She was a devout Christian and loved to dedicate time to the Lord and her church, First Armenian Presbyterian Church, where she was integral in the music program serving as a member of the choir, member and chair of the music committee and director of the Junior Choir in the 60's-70's. Her service to the church reached beyond music, she was a Church Elder, member and President of the Fidelis Society, served on several committees and acted as the church wedding coordinator. Her commitment to the church did not go unnoticed as she was honored with the Silent Servant of the Congregation award – this recognition reflects so much about Mary Lou's character; silently serving to lift up her community and those around her.
The church was not the only place where Mary Lou found time to serve others, she was also involved at the California Armenian Home and the expansion of the Vineyards at the California Armenian Home. Her Father being instrumental in the establishment of the home gave her motivation to be involved. Serving the board since the early 90's, she acted as board president from 2008-2009 and served as board secretary from 2010 until present. Additionally, she was a Patron member of the Ani Guild; her dedicated service to the California Armenian Home will be greatly missed.
Her zest for life was an inspiration, recounting many outings with good friends and family to the Opera, Philharmonic, Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater, travels abroad, trips to the coast, casinos and horse races. Mary Lou was a loving aunt, sister and friend. She will be remembered by her kind heart, compassion, beautiful voice, contagious laugh, passion for music and education.
She is preceded in death by her parents Haigos and Esther Bagdasarian, her brothers Jimmy Bagdasarian, George Bagdasarian and sister-in-law Marian Bagdasarian; niece Susan Bagdasarian; nephew Mark Ruh.
She is survived by her sister-in-law Armene Bagdasarian; nephew Gary G. Bagdasarian and his wife Alexis; niece Darlene Slaughter and her husband Bill; nephew Mitch Bagdasarian and his wife Anita; niece Lori Bagdasarian-Ruh; her twelve great-nieces and great-nephews; along with countless friends and family members.
In the last five years of her life, she was cared for by the staff at the California Armenian Home, their kindness and caring is appreciated and will never be forgotten. A special Thank You to Dr. Steven Chooljian for his devoted medical service for so many years and the compassionate staff of doctors and nurses at St. Agnes.
Yost & Webb Funeral Home will host a viewing on Thursday, March 10, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. A burial will be held at Ararat Armenian Cemetery on Friday, March 11, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. and memorial service at First Armenian Presbyterian Church, at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to First Armenian Presbyterian Church, 430 S. 1st St., Fresno, CA 93702, the California Armenian Home, 6720 E. Kings Canyon Rd., Fresno, CA 93727, or donor's favorite charity.