Rosemarie Saghdejian

ROSEMARIE SAGHDEJIAN September 1, 1953 - June 17, 2006

Rose Saghdejian was born in Beirut, Lebanon. She arrived in the U.S. at the age of 16. After receiving her high school diploma, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin and received her Bachelor of Arts degree and teaching credential. Rose moved to Los Angeles to be close to the Armenian community and enrolled at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to pursue her Masters degree in French culture and arts. Rose met her future husband, Apo Saghdejian, and they were married on September 30, 1978, in Fresno. The couple had a daughter, Naylrl, and a son, Hovig. The untimely death of their 23 year old son shook the entire Saghdejian family to its' core. Rose was a leader in the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) both locally and internationally. She assisted community organizations including H.M.E.M., Boys and Girl Scouts, and Hamazkayin Cultural Association which she helped found. She also was a member of the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, and a board member of the Armenian Community School of Fresno. Rose was the founder of the Heritage Adult Day Care Center in Fresno. Two years later, she founded and owned The Trinity Adult Day Care Center. She was loved and respected by the entire staff, and adored by the seniors. Rose portrayed selfless service and sacrifice to her family and causes she loved, boundless hospitality to all those who knocked on her door, and especially her undying and contagious spirit and high morals; these were the remarkable traits of her character. Rose is survived by her loving husband Apo; daughter Naylrl; and will be missed by the extended Saghdejian and Topalian families, as well as her many friends in the Fresno area, and the Armenian communities throughout the world. Visitation will be held at Yost & Webb Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 21, 2006, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a Home Service being held at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at Holy Trinity Armenian Church on Thursday, June 22, 2006, at 11:00 a.m., followed by Interment at Masis Ararat Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the ARS Sophia Chapter "Rose Saghdejian Memorial Fund" to benefit the establishment of a school in Karabagh, Armenia, or ARS Sophia Chapter, P.O. Box 327, Fresno, CA 93708-0327. YOST & WEBB FUNERAL HOME1002 "T" St. 237-4147