Hasmig Topalian

Hasmig Topalian was born in Bargaraaz, Kessab, Syria, on September 7, 1951, to Boghos Paul and Silvart Sarmazian. She was one of six siblings: Zaven Sahag, Salpi, Ashken, and Vasken.

She attended the Evangelical school of Upper Bargaraaz, Kesab. In 1968, the family moved to Anjar, Lebanon, where they worked at the Makhoulian Farm. At just 16 years old, Hasmig was already known for her strong work ethic and caring heart. She helped her mother cook, assisted her father with farm work, and spent her weekends caring for her younger siblings.

At 18, Hasmig moved to Lebanon, where she began working as a live-in nanny for an American family. During that time, she met the love of her life, Zohrab Topalian. Soon after, they were married and welcomed their first daughter, Sylva. One year later, their second daughter, Araxi, was born. In 1975, during the Civil War in Lebanon, Hasmig gave birth to her third daughter, Azniv. Later that year, the family packed up their belongings and moved to Alfortville, France, where, in 1977, she gave birth to her fourth child and first son, Michael. Through all of life's challenges, Hasmig worked tirelessly as a seamstress while raising her growing family. In 1986, while on vacation, Hasmig began to feel morning sickness. Surprise, surprise! That's when she found out Serop was on his way!

On June 24, 1988, the family boarded a plane and began a new chapter in the United States of America. Hasmig reunited with her family in Fresno, California.

Soon after, she and Zohrab opened Central Deli, where she began sharing her incredible cooking with the entire community.She also made sure her children stayed connected to their culture and community by signing them up for Homenetmen scouting and Armenian Youth Federation. She quickly became an active member of the Fresno Sassoon Homenetmen family, dedicating and volunteering more than 30 years of her life to the organization, including 14 years serving as a board member.

Hasmig's cooking, generosity, and warmth made her a beloved icon in Fresno. Her food brought people together, but even more than that, her heart did. She was kind, selfless, caring, and full of love. She never hesitated to help anyone in need. She loved life,she loved to sing, dance, and cook. And anyone who knew her knows she also loved her Red Bull and her coffee , with one pound of sugar in each cup!

But above all, Hasmig loved God and her family. She was dedicated to both until the very end. Her faith guided her through every season of life; she often spent quiet moments reading and writing her favorite prayers, finding strength and peace in her relationship with God.

Hasmig is survived by her five children: Sylva Topalian; Araxi and Mike Myers; Azniv and Abe Kassamanian; Michael Topalian; and Serop and Pauline Topalian. She is also survived by her brother, Vasken Sarmazian; her sister, Salpi Sayoun; her 17 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren who brought endless joy to her life.

Hasmig's legacy lives on in the love she poured into her family, her community, and every meal she ever cooked. She will forever be remembered for her strength, her laughter, her faith, and her heart that had room for everyone.