Merlene Hagopian

On December 21st, 2010, we lost a fun-loving, endlessly generous, and always classy lady….Merlene Hagopian. She was born March 5, 1927 and lived in Worms, Nebraska, located in Prairie Creek Township…Population 788. She spent the first 12 years of her life on the farm with her sister Lillian, her handicapped brother Dickie along with her parents Walter and Viola Busch. She was a reluctant farmer at age 13, and was delighted to move to the bustling metropolis of Ann Arbor, MI in 1940, which boasted a population of 29,815 at the time of her move. Merlene thrived in her new city, and was a proud graduate of the historic Ann Arbor High School. Though her father had warned her of Catholic boys at an early age, she found the love of her life at a local roller rink, George…a St. Thomas boy. They were engaged before George shipped out for the Pacific during World War II and they happily married upon his return from the war. George and Merlene welcomed 2 children into their family, Gary and Sharon, and they created a warm homestead in a cozy 700 square foot home in Whitmore Lake. They moved back to Ann Arbor in 1954, so that Gary and Sharon could attend the Ann Arbor public schools. After the kids went to high school, Merlene re-entered the work force, acting as a secretary, then a clinic coordinator at the University of Michigan Dental School, a job that lead to many lasting friendships. Merlene lost George in 1989, and retired in 1990. Throughout her retirement, she treasured the time spent with friends, family, and especially her grandchildren, Todd and Leigh Hagopian and Ryan Greely. Her life always centered around family. For years, the family would look forward to Sunday dinners at “Grandma’s House”. She also hosted frequent family outings to her favorite local restaurant, Knights, where the staff was delighted to see her every time she walked in the door. She spent the last few years living right down the hall from her sister, and they enjoyed meeting together for the occasional drink and lively discussion. She leaves behind many loved ones to carry on these traditions: daughter Sharon (Gary) Greely, son Gary (Patti) and grandchildren Todd (Andrea) Hagopian, Ryan Greely, and Leigh (Nat) Hubbard, sister Lillian Quick, sisters –in-law Eileen Hagopian and Ardith Crawford and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She loved the grand-dogs as well….keeping Punki, Eiken, Wicki, Barney, Reba and especially Peanut close to her heart. A celebration of Merlene’s life will be 4:00 P.M. Monday, December 27th, at Muehlig Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Salvation Army would be a great honor. To sign her guestbook or to leave a memory, please visit Merlene's personal page at www.muehligannarbor.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Muehlig Funeral Chapel, Ann Arbor, MI.