Lenore "Lee" Kartozian

Lenore ("Lee") Kartozian Died peacefully in her home in Rossmoor, Walnut Creek, CA on August 29, 2009 after a brief illness. Lee was born on September 30, 1912 in Fresno, CA to Arsen and Mary Donabedian. After graduating from Fresno High School, Lee moved to San Francisco where she completed nurse's training at Children's Hospital. She loved her profession and served as an R.N. in many capacities for more than fifty years. It was also in San Francisco where Lee met her late husband Frank. They enjoyed 62 years of marriage before his death in 1995. Lee is survived by her daughter Sandra Toorinjian of Honolulu, HI, her son Bill Kartozian and his wife Tish of Danville, CA, three grandchildren, four great grandchildren and many, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Donabedian, her son-in-law, A.J. Toorinjian and one grandson, Rob Kartozian. A youthful 96 year old Lee loved her many friends and family members - and they loved her. She recently told her daughter and son that she had enjoyed a wonderful life and considered herself to be very, very fortunate. When asked the secrets of her longevity, Lee replied, "Never complain, always have some younger friends and eat an apple every day." Lee's vibrant personality, warmth and strength of character will be missed by all who knew her and she will long be remembered for the lessons she taught us about how to live a meaningful and joyous life. A Memorial Service celebrating Lee's life will be held on September 25, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Congregational Armenian Church on Brotherhood Way in San Francisco.