Sonia Rosie Sarkisian

She was born on February 2nd, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan. Sonia grew up and received her education there, graduating from Southwestern High School in 1947. She went on to attend a beauty school and become a licensed cosmetologist. In the late 1940s, she traveled by rail to Fresno, California to visit a distant cousin and his family. During the visit, she was introduced to Jake Sarkisian, a young WW II US Navy veteran who worked with her cousin. In relatively short order, Jake asked Sonia to go out with him, they dated, were engaged, and got married in Detroit in 1949. The couple worked and raised two sons. Among other things, they enjoyed square dancing, leisure time at Pismo Coast Village in their travel trailer, and home life with plenty of friends and family visitors.

A resourceful woman with many talents and abilities, Sonia’s interests were varied. She served as a bookkeeper at Danish Creamery in Fresno for 25 years, where she earned the admiration of managers and co-workers alike for her dedication and expertise. In retirement, she tirelessly fulfilled caregiving responsibilities during periods when her mother, then sister, and later, her husband experienced major health problems. Sonia always loved children and enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren and many other youngsters over the years. Cooking and feeding others brought her joy. She prepared a variety of foods, including savory Armenian dishes. Her holiday feasts included plenty of merriment and way too much food. An excellent gardener, Sonia delighted in growing beautiful flowers and shrubs. With several decades of experience making and altering clothing, she was quite proficient with her sewing machine. She also enjoyed crocheting shawls, scarves, and other items to give away to family members and friends. A hidden talent emerged after retirement, when she took painting classes. Sonia’s beautiful artwork are treasured possessions, displayed at homes of family members and throughout her home.

Sonia was predeceased by her parents, Anna and Sam Bodigian, sister Madaline Bodigian, sister Agnes Wyderko, daughter-in-law, Rebecca Sarkisian, and her loving husband of 64 years, Jake Sarkisian.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons Dennis Sarkisian (Robbie) and David Sarkisian, granddaughter Amelia Parks (Craig), grandson Philip Sarkisian, great grandson Lewyn Parks, ever present Annmarie and Steven along with dozens of other nieces and nephews, her neighbors, and numerous friends.

We wish to thank the medical professionals at Saint Agnes Hospital and the nursing staff at Hinds Hospice Home for the compassionate care they provided our dear mother.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to Reading Heart at readingheart.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing books to kids with limited access to books, as well as hospitalized children.

A Memorial Service for Sonia will take place on Monday, March 31, 2025 from 10:00 AM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.

Sonia will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but Sonia's memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of sharing in her life.

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