Rose "Rosette" Tombalakian

She was born on October 29, 1932, in Armenian Quarter, Old City, Jerusalem to Melkon and Eugenie Khaledjian. Melkon raised Rosette and her four sisters, after the untimely passing of their mother. Rosette was only five years old, but always remembered how lovely her mother was. At the time of her death, she was the last surviving sister. We are at peace knowing that the sisters are reunited once again with their parents.

Rosette later moved to the United States to build a life with her husband Hagop (Jack) Tombalakian. As his wife, she became the cherished matriarch of her family. Rosette was a devoted mother to her children, Mary Ann and Jack. She built a home where family traditions were celebrated and immersed herself in learning the ways of the new modern world so her children could take advantage of all the opportunities presented to them.

Rosette was woman of simple pleasures. Her pride and joy was her family, particularly her grandsons, Dylan and Trevor. Her eyes sparkled whenever they walked into the room. She recounted on beloved times when Dylan spoke Armenian phrases when he was a little boy. She loved watching him grow into a successful collegiate soccer player. She also spoke of the wonderful memory when she watched as Trevor pushed himself up and took his first steps for the first time. Rosette delighted on fond memories of Trevor insisting on helping her make tea and playing hide and seek. Rosette and Hagop would often adventure to Miramar Lake where they would take walks, feed the ducks and build lifelong memories with the young boys.

Rosette was an avid walker and enjoyed reading. She also had a talent for needlework, knitting and crocheting and loved making items for her family. While she was an excellent cook and loved cooking for her family to the very end, she was sustained after her husbands passing by her strict diet of breads, cheeses, fruits and hot tea. Despite insisting that she disliked anything with cream, Rosette delighted in the warmth of a Turkish latte paired with a chocolate croissant.

Rosette was predeceased by her husband, Hagop and survived by her daughter, Mary Ann (Craig) Fortin; son Jack (Christy) Tombalakian; grandson Dylan Fortin and grandson Trevor (Makena Macias) Fortin.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and will remain forever in the hearts of her loved ones. A memorial service to honor Rosette’s life will be held in the Spring of 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org)