Lillian Normart Nishkian

Lillian Normart Nishkian was put on this earth to be a mother, and her call to nurture, feed and love her family and friends truly spanned generations. She touched so many lives, and the door to her home was always open.

Born in Fresno, CA on April 25, 1928, she was the fourth and youngest child of Vaughn and Roxie Normart. Lillian had fond memories of growing up on Orange Avenue, time spent with her Zakarian and Normart cousins, and family camping trips to Yosemite. She attended Fresno schools, graduated from Roosevelt High, and attended college for a year before starting a career in banking.

On June 4, 1955, she and B. Haig Nishkian married. Their marriage united two longtime Fresno Armenian families that had been friends for many years. Lillian and Haig, who passed in 2017, were married for over 61 years. In that time, they were blessed with four children: Nanci, Lisa, Lori, and Brad, and four grandchildren: Jordan, Noah, Justin, and Tara, who were the light of her life. However, her heart always had room for more, and she served as that special aunt or second mother/grandmother to many. It has been a privilege sharing her with so many and seeing the joy these cherished relationships brought her.

Lillian's travels mostly focused on family visits within California, with the exception of one of her most memorable: a family pilgrimage led by cousin Corky to the Holy Land and Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. It was a special trip and time she shared with loved ones.

Lillian also enjoyed following Bullard High School sports, especially football and baseball, and more recently basketball and cheer. Over the years, many Bullard students gathered around her table and enjoyed her hospitality.

On September 7, 2021, Lillian passed on to heaven to join Haig and their beloved daughter Lisa, who proceeded them both in death. She also joins her parents, her brother Edmond and his wife Rose, sister Pauline and her husband Bert Merzon, sister Adeline and her husband Dee Housepian, nephew Gary Normart, niece Norma and her husband Jim Purtle, her in-laws Karnig and Haighouie, brother-in-law Vahe, sisters-in-law Alice and Lalla, along with many cousins and dear friends.

Lillian is survived by her children Nanci, Lori and her husband Mel Grove, Brad and his wife Lisa, and her before-mentioned grandchildren, Jordan and Justin Nishkian and Noah and Tara Grove, along with many who hold her dear to their hearts.

In accordance with her wishes, no service will be held, and due to COVID, there will be a private celebration of Lillian's life.

The family encourages you to share a fond memory or special thought, and in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Saint Paul's Armenian Church, Valley Children's Hospital, Community Medical Centers, or the donor's favorite charity.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Nishkian family.