Yes, when her love and devotion flowed out so unselfishly it was beautiful.
Her unceasing smile radiated a positive affirmation of life that uplifted others and was indeed beautiful. Everywhere, people saw this beauty and were drawn to her. Our mother’s heritage was the foundation of her unsinkable character. Her mother, Siranush, as a young woman was the sole survivor of her family during the Armenian Genocide.
When Mary Jane was born to Stephan and Siranush Shuklian in a humble farmhouse in Tulare County on June 24, 1923 she carried the same indomitable spirit of her mother Siranush. When Siranush was widowed by the untimely death of her husband, she married Parnag Shuklian and the family became whole again. Our mother always said, “things always have a way of working themselves out!” Despite the hardships of the Depression, her ‘life’ on the farm was nothing but joy. In 1942, she moved to Fresno, worked in dry cleaning and volunteered at the local USO. At the Rainbow Ballroom she noticed ‘the best looking guy I ever saw.' “He grabbed my hand and took me out on the dance floor and for 62 years he never let it go!” With a blessed marriage, deep seated in love, only death could separate them when her husband, Hygus, passed away in 2011.
Working full time and raising three boys, Mom always found time to prepare wonderful meals. She was deeply involved in the life of her boys taking them on great adventures and activities. She made everything fun. It was at this time her youngest son, Gene, affectionately nicknamed her ‘Hobbie’. The grandchildren came and Grandma Hobbie gave each of them ‘adventures’ they almost certainly would never experience at home.
In retirement, Mary Jane enjoyed and taught ceramics, winning many awards at the Fresno Fair. Picking up a club at age 55, she became an avid golfer and enjoyed playing alongside her husband. Mom was proud of her tournament trophies and enjoyed friendships made.
Even advancing age did not dim her zest for life. At home on August 14, 2014 at age 91, with her family by her side, she passed from this world into the waiting arms of ‘the best looking guy I ever saw’.
Mary Jane "Ann" Garabedian is preceded in death by her husband Hygus, brothers Nathan and Steve Shuklian and sister Lucy Shuklian Ohanesian all of Visalia.
She is remembered by sons Wayne & wife Judy, Gus & wife Renee, and Gene & wife Jodie. Five grandchildren, Cliff, Troy, Geena, Gage and Trace Garabedian all of Fresno. Her Brother-in-law John Garabedian of Fresno, her nephew Brian Garabedian of Long Beach.
Hobbie is remembered and will be remembered for every reason why mothers are dear.
A graveside service will be held at Belmont Memorial Park on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at 10:00 am.
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