Armelita Surabian

Armelita May Surabian was born on May 12, 1942 (the second baby born at the Fowler Hospital) to Armenoohe and Aram Nahigian who immigrated from Armenia in 1920. She entered eternal rest on October 23, 2024 celebrating 82 years.
Armelita grew up in Fowler where she graduated from Fowler High School in 1960. After high school, she moved to Fresno with her widowed mother and attended Fresno City College and worked in the office at Beloian Packing.
Dennis and Armelita were married in Fresno on November 16, 1968. She moved to Reedley and they began their family in January 1970 when Stephanie was born, followed by the birth of Stacie in July 1971 and their third child, Dennis Jr. in June 1974.
Armelita and Dennis expanded their farming business and started Surabian Packing Company in 1974. The packing facility grew over the years with state-of-the-art equipment and refrigeration. By the 1980s, the company further expanded with the building of their offices. Surabian Packing packed, sold and shipped a million boxes a year domestically and globally. They proudly provided local jobs in their community. Dennis was passionate in researching cutting edge information and was actively involved in the development of new varietals in the nursery, where he held a few patents for tree fruit varietals including a plum named after his wife, Armelita.
Armelita was proudly active at St. Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Church including being a member of the Ladies Society. Armelita and Dennis were generous donors of the Church; some of their contributions included: donating the altar curtains, sponsoring the Church picnics, making annual donations toward the maintenance and social activities of the Church.
Armelita was also active in local clubs such as Moderns, Red Hat Society, as well as supporting many fundraising activities.
Armelita enjoyed traveling including cruises to the Caribbean Islands, Alaska, Mexico and Canada. A highlight was when Dennis and Armelita traveled to Washington, D.C. in 1978 to meet President Jimmy Carter with a delegation of farmers and had the opportunity to take a personal picture with the President. There are countless memories of family trips to Santa Cruz and Pismo Beach where Armelita enjoyed the ocean, and shopping trips to San Francisco where she enjoyed the local seafood. Armelita loved traveling to Hollywood to spend time with her daughters when they relocated there in the early 90s. She loved to travel to Las Vegas, Reno and the local Indian casinos to play the slot machines.
Armelita's hospitality is legendary as she always made her guests feel special. Her parties and celebrations included many details with abundant food, drinks and decorations. Friends of her children were always at their house enjoying Armelita's cooking. She made every holiday special, especially Christmas when she had her trees professionally decorated and she served her traditional dishes.
Armelita always attended and supported her children's sports and school activities.
She also enjoyed attending concerts, performing arts and community events.
She did everything with style and grace. Her family and friends meant everything to her. Armelita had a gift of making everyone feel special with her ability to remember details about them.
Armelita is survived by her two daughters: Stephanie and Stacie Surabian, her son, Dennis Surabian, Jr. and his wife Michelle Surabian. Her three grandchildren: Kylee, Jemma and Garin Surabian. Her many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Armelita was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Surabian Sr., her parents Armenoohe and Aram Nahigian, her three brothers, Kapriel "Kappy", Carl and Henry Nahigian and her sister, Margaret Bedrosian.
Armelita was a thoughtful, loving and generous wife, mother, and friend to the community. "Armo" will be remembered and greatly missed.
A Private Funeral Service will be held.