Barbara Jean Garabedian

Barbara Jean (Aivazian) Garabedian was born July 30, 1929, to Haig, Sr. and Virginia (Budjian) Aivazian in her parent’s home on their ranch in Fowler, California. She closed her blue eyes on October 14, 2022, at the age of 93, with her husband by her side. She was preceded in death by her parents and older siblings, brother Haig, Jr. and sister Madeline.

Barbara was raised in a Christian home with her grandparents and extended family always in attendance.

Barbara attended schools in Fowler and was involved in many school activities and sports. She was the majorette for Fowler High School! She attended Fresno State College and was a professor’s aide for ballroom dancing, which was a favorite activity of hers.

Barbara was a talented, efficient secretary working for several firms since the age of 14. Her last employment was at California State University, Fresno, in the School of Business for 25 years and she was named in 1987 as the Outstanding Female Employee at CSUF. Barbara and her family attended CSUF Football games for over 50 years.

Barbara married Aram Garabedian on November 24, 1951, and they were blessed with three children – Dale, Robyn and Elysa. Aram and Barbara were members of Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church in Fresno, raised their children in the church and were involved in numerous leadership roles in Church.

Barbara and Aram were always involved in school and other activities with their children in all levels from grade school through college years. They also attended all programs, sports games and anything else in which their grandchildren were participating.

Barbara’s greatest joy was in entertaining family and friends at dinners, parties and holiday events. Their home was also open at all times for all their children’s friends for dinner or whatever was needed.

Another of Barbara’s great joys was her membership in the Daughters of Vartan. She was a member of the Fresno Chapter for 60 years where she made many lifelong and treasured friends. She was on numerous committees and served through leadership offices, eventually becoming Matron of the local Chapter. She then became the Grand National Matron from 1979 to 1981, serving 24 Chapters across the United States and Canada. During this time, she was cleared by the FBI and invited to the White House by President Jimmy Carter for a meeting of Ethnic Leaders from across the United States. She spent the day personally meeting and having a picture taken with the President and attending a Reception. It was a very interesting and exciting day for her.

After retirement Barbara attended regular Bible Study sessions at her Church. This was a special time for Barbara. Barbara was taught to pray at a very early age. She has always been in prayer for the Church, family, friends, local and world events and the special needs of people who asked her to pray and continued to do to until the day of her passing. Barbara was always available to family and friends in all circumstances.

Barbara was predeceased by her grandparents, parents, brother, sister, niece Donna, and other family members. She is survived by Aram, her husband of 70 years. Aram and Barbara would have celebrated their 71st Anniversary on November 24, 2022. Barbara is also survived by her children, Dale Garabedian and wife, Kandy – their children Lauren Ruff and husband Jonathan, Aaron Garabedian and wife Ashley all of Fresno; Robyn Esraelian and husband Kenneth – their children Jordan Esraelian and wife Ani of San Diego, Brandon Esraelian and wife Jordan of Fresno, Evan Taylor and husband Jeffrey of Laguna Niguel; Elysa Altounian and husband Gregory of Fresno. Barbara is also survived by her most beloved great-grandchildren – Hudson Hale Esraelian, Emilia Grace Ruff, Harper Jae Esraelian all of Fresno; Hayes Esraelian Taylor, Reagan River Taylor and Isla Blue Taylor of Laguna Niguel, and Kora Lucie Esraelian and Kamryn Jayne Esraelian of San Diego. Barbara is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and family members.

Barbara’s family would like to thank Dr. Steven Chooljian who cared for Barbara as if she was his own mother. The family would also like to thank Sylvia, Soyla and Kathy for the loving care they provided to Barbara and Aram these last few months.

Remembrances may be made to Pilgrim Church, 3673 N. First Street, Fresno, CA 93726.

Private Services were held.