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BORN
1929
DIED
2025
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Sonia Sarkisian Obituary
February 2, 1929 - March 23, 2025
Fresno, California - Sonia Rosie Sarkisian, passed away peacefully at the Hinds Hospice Home at the age of 96 on March 23rd, 2025. She was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. While visiting a cousin in Fresno in the late 1940s, she was introduced to Jake Sarkisian, a young WW II US Navy veteran. They dated, were engaged, and married in Detroit in 1949. Upon return to Fresno, they worked and raised two sons. Sonia worked as a bookkeeper at Danish Creamery for 25 years. Cooking and feeding others brought her joy, as well as growing beautiful flowers and shrubs. A hidden talent emerged after retirement, when she took painting classes. Her beautiful paintings are treasured possessions of family and friends.
Sonia was predeceased by her parents, Anna and Sam Bodigian, sister Madaline Bodigian, sister Agnes Wyderko, daughter-in-law, Rebecca Sarkisian, and her loving husband of 64 years, Jake Sarkisian. Left to cherish her memory are her sons Dennis Sarkisian (Robbie) and David Sarkisian, granddaughter Amelia Parks (Craig), grandson Philip Sarkisian, great grandson Lewyn Parks, ever present Annmarie and Steven along with dozens of other nieces and nephews, her neighbors, and numerous friends. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to Reading Heart at readingheart.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing books to kids with limited access to books, as well as hospitalized children. A Memorial Service for Sonia will take place on Monday, March 31, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sonia Sarkisian
2 Entries
Paul Ketchum
March 31, 2025
Dennis and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. May you take strength from the lessons your mother gave you as you grew into adulthood. Please know that my thoughts are with you all.
Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel
March 28, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720
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