VIRGINIA ROSE EMERZIAN

Virginia Rose Emerzian passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 2, 2011, at the age of 94. Born in East Orange, New Jersey on February 1, 1917, to Edward and Rose Saraydar, Virginia had two younger brothers, Albert and Eddie. Virginia's family moved to the Los Angeles area in the mid-1930s, where her father owned a rug business. She soon met Deran Emerzian, from a Fresno ranching family, at a dance in Los Angeles- They fell in love and married on April 3, 1937, and spent the early part of their life together on a ranch in Lone Star, Ca. While there, Virginia gave birth to daughter Carol and son Richard. The family soon moved to Fresno, where her daughter Nanci was born, and where they spent the rest of their lives together. Virginia dedicated her days to being the best mother she could be to her three children. She was a wonderful homemaker and cook, and made sure no one ever left her house hungry. Virginia was extremely kind and outgoing, and would make conversation with everyone, wherever she went, whether it be a restaurant, grocery store, or church. Her wonderful spirit always shined through, and she never failed to put a smile on people's faces. She was blessed with two wonderful grandchildren, Brandon and Ashley. They were the light of her life, and she was the light of theirs. Virginia was preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Deran, her son, Richard, and her granddaughter, Ashley. She is survived by daughter, Carol and son-in-law Jim Portman of La Jolla; daughter, Nanci and son-in-law Steve Horn of Fresno; grandson, Brandon Horn and his fiancée, Jennifer Soria of Fresno; brother, Ed Saraydar of Toronto, Canada; and many adoring nieces, nephews, and extended family. We all love you so much, Virginia! A Graveside Service will be held at Ararat Cemetery in Fresno on Wednesday, June 8, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Heart Association, 7425 N. Palm Bluffs Ave, Suite 101, Fresno, Ca., 93711.