Mrs. Anne J. Sarkisian

Anne was born on November 4, 1919 in the little town of Minkler, California, the first generation daughter of Basilio and Amelia Lencioni, immigrants from Lucca, Italy. She grew up in Sanger, California, living on a small farm until a tragic fire forced the family to move to central Sanger. It was there that she met and fell in love with her neighbor, Robert Sarkisian. They were married January 1, 1940 and enjoyed a beautiful, loving and romantic life together until his untimely death at age 50 on June 16, 1963. He was the love of her life. She never remarried. Anne and Bob had two sons, Gerald and Ricky, and was very proud of both of them.

After Bob's death, she worked for many years as a secretary for Saf-T-Cab, then as a bookkeeper in Ricky's business. She loved working, as well as cooking and keeping busy, spending as much time as possible with her sons, and her grandchildren.

She was an active member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, including the Seniors' Group and the Italian Catholic Federation.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends; those who knew of her funny sense of humor, Italian-style; her spontaneity and love of people; her faithfulness to prayer; her love of God and His Church; and the emotional support and encouragement she provided to so many people.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her dear brothers, Bruno and Gino; sister, Jennie; and her friend since childhood, Dena Piarulli.

Anne is survived by her two sons, Gerald and his wife Betty and Ricky and his wife Cheryl; her grandchildren, Robert, Richard, Alan, Jeffrey, Thomas, Andrew, and Mary; and her four great-grandchildren.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to Holy Spirit Italian Catholic Federation or your favorite charity . Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 1525 East Saginaw Way, Fresno, California (559-227-4048