Marian Hovannisian

1931 - 2017

Marian Hovannisian

August 16, 1931 - November 28, 2017

Fresno

Marian Hovannisian, age 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, in Fresno, California. She was born on August 16, 1931 to parents Hacher and Takoohi Mikaelian, in Monson, California. She was a gregarious, warm and generous mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to her four children, 11 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Marian nourished the people around her with unwavering love, faith, and spirit. A 1949 graduate of Dinuba High School, she planned to continue her education but met the love of her life, Ralph Hovannisian, the same year. They married in 1951. The following years were eventful with the births of their four children, Cheryl, Florence, Ralph and Siroon (Patti). When young, all of the children were packed in a station wagon, driven across the United States and Canada to scope our country, and later to worldly destinations such as France, Egypt, Lebanon, Russia, Greece, London, and our family's beloved Armenia. It was important to Marian and Ralph that their children see the world, experience a variety of cultures, and meet people who would broaden their scope of vision.

In 2001, the unthinkable happened with the tragic, sudden loss of Ralph. Nevertheless, after much grief, Marian forged ahead, knowing that her family needed her strength and direction. She provided both, always with unwavering love and a positive spirit. After the death of Ralph, Marian also continued the family's annual trips to Disneyland where magic happened. She believed in the magic! Sadly, our magic has dimmed with her light out, but heaven awaits an angel with spirit and determination.

Marian is survived by her children, Cheryl (Leon) Sarkisian, Florence (Philip) Parnagian, Ralph (Janet) Hovannisian, Siroon Patti (David) Sarabian, grandchildren, Brett and Lindsay Sarkisian, LeAnn and Raffi Aharonian, Erin and Matthew Melkonian, Kelli and Viken Kojababian, Tara and Nicolas Kazarian, Sam Parnagian, Kasper and Joshua Hovannisian, Jordan and Courtney Sarabian, Jacob Sarabian, Seth Sarabian as well as her 10 great- grandchildren.

Marian is survived by brother Mike (Carolyn) Mikaelian, sister Anahid Beatrice (Jim) Soxman and families. She also leaves behind Hovannisian family members and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her dear husband of 49 years, Ralph, parents Hacher and Takoohi Mikaelian, sister Florence Mikaelian, and brother Michael Mikaelian.

Funeral services will be held at Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Fresno, California, on Friday, December 1, 2017 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, 2226 Ventura Avenue, Fresno, CA 93727.