Zephyr Shekoyan

ZEPHYR SHEKOYAN

Mrs. Zephyr Shekoyan, age 96, died on Wednesday, March 30, 2005, in Fresno. Her parents, Puzant and Esther Malkasian Gagosian arrived in the Fresno from Bitlis, Armenia, in 1906. She was born on August 10, 1908, and lived her entire life in Fresno. Until June, 1939, Zephyr lived with her parents, brothers and sisters on a small farm on Church Avenue, west of Fresno. She attended Madison Elementary School and graduated from Fresno High School in 1926. After high school, and continuing through the depression years of the 1930's, she worked in the accounting department for Borden's Dairy Delivery Company. On June 10, 1939, Zephyr married Elish Shekoyan, who she had met while they were active together in local Armenian community organizations. They were married for more than 58 years, and were inseparable partners until his death in August, 1997. They were blessed with three children, James Shekoyan, Dr. Thomas Shekoyan and Mary Esther Shekoyan, and three grandsons, Mark, Matthew and Michael Shekoyan. Zephyr's love and support of her family was always her first priority, and she was very proud of her children's and grandchildren's achievements. She will always be remembered for her devotion to her family and putting the needs of her family before her own. Zephyr was a life long member of the Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church and of its women's group, the Dorcas Guild. She served as a deacon of the church, an officer of the Dorcas Guild and on various church boards and committees, and for many years taught classes in the Sunday School. She was a person of great faith who was intimately familiar with the Bible and its teachings, and daily gave thanks for God's blessings. She was preceded in death by her brothers Karnig, Yervant, Peter and Leo Gagosian; and her sisters, Rose Levonian, Gladys Avakian and Roxie Swiney. The family wishes to thank their dear friend Marilyn Lewis for her loving care and support of Zephyr and the entire family over several years. The family also wishes to thank and express gratitude to the Emergency Room and Floor Two West doctors, nurses and assistants at Saint Agnes Hospital, and the Angels on earth from Nancy Hinds Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care during Zephyr's last illness. Finally, and most importantly, James, Thomas, Mark, Matthew and Michael, wish to express their love and appreciation to their sister and aunt, Mary Esther, for her many years of dedication and care of their parents and grandparents, Elish and Zephyr. Zephyr is survived by her sons, James and his wife Anna, and Thomas; daughter, Mary Esther; and grandsons, Mark, Matthew and his wife Roxanna, and Michael. She is also survived by two sisters, Zabel Mosesian of Bakersfield and Margaret Hagopian of Madera; and many nephews and nieces. Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel, on Sunday, April 3, 2005, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church on Monday, April 4, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. Remembrances may be made to the Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church, Nancy Hinds Hospice, Saint Agnes Hospital Foundation, or the donor's favorite charity. WHITEHURSTSullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel1525 E. Saginaw 227-4048