Shirley Lee Agajanian

AGAJANIAN, Shirley Lee Died peacefully at her home in Whittier on December 15, 2007, at the age of 76. Raised in East Los Angeles, she was a proud graduate of 1949 from Montebello High School. She went on to USC for several years, completing her degree and some graduate work at Immaculate Heart College. She taught high school classes in English literature, briefly at Garfield High School, for some years at Reseda High School, and concluded her teaching career at Hollywood High School. Her students report that she was an unforgettable and inspiring teacher. She served on the Board of Directors of the First Women's Bank in Brentwood during its years of formation and existence. During that period, she was also active as a member and officer of the Business and Professional Women's Club. She experienced these years as a fabulous time, with good and astute women. She has long been an active and office-holding member of the American Association of University Women and Massis Guild of Ararat Home and has also been an active member of the Education Guild of the Music Center. Lee passionately loved words, literature, ideas, classical music and family. Though small physically, she was a strong, formidable and tenacious women. She was a fiercely loyal friend and a mighty advocate for the causes she took up. She is survived by her sister, Lovey Sherman; her nephews, Brian and Brent Sherman; Brian's wife, Sandy; and children, Giovanna and Dylan; her aunt, Daisy Katanian; numerous family members; and many friends. All will sorely miss her vibrant presence, her sharp, quick wit, her fine inquiring mind and her generous heart. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on January 5, 2008, at the Church of our Saviour, 535 Roses Road, San Gabriel, CA 91775, 626-282-5147. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lee's name to Massis Guild of the Ararat Home, care of Sue Ann Boranian, 3023 Belle River Drive, Hacienda Heights, CA, 91745, and Hospice of Presbyterian, 15050 Imperial Highway, La Mirada, CA 90638. Services under the direction of Risher Montebello Mortuary 323-728-1261.