Evelyn Zakarian Oakes

Evelyn Zakarian Oakes passed away on September 25, 2020. Just six months shy of her 100 Birthday. She was the third of four daughters born to Arshavir and Varsen (Dabhaghian) Zakarian on Easter Sunday, March 27, 1921. She was born on the family farm in Selma, California. She attended Selma schools and graduated from Selma High School Class of 1939. Evelyn played the flute in the marching Selma High and Reedley College Marching Bands. After Graduation she moved to Los Angeles and worked for the Department of Defense and made parts for airplanes in World War II. Then she worked in the insurance field as a claim adjuster for Industrial Indemnity.

Evelyn moved in 1961 to Fresno with her daughter Denise and continued to work for Industrial Indemnity. When she was 44 years old she had a stroke that left her paralyzed on her right side. However, with her strength and determination she continued working and taking care of her daughter.

Evelyn was a kind and loving lady that put her family and daughter first. Always mild mannered and never complained. And always had a smile on her face.

In 2012 she relocated to Chatsworth to live with her daughter and son in law. In 2014 she moved to the Nursing facility at the Ararat Home in Mission Hills. The nurses just loved and adored her with her mild ways and she was friends with all of them. We would like to thank the Ararat Home for the wonderful loving care that they gave our Mother.

Evelyn loved to travel and was able to travel many places and enjoyed each adventure. She especially enjoyed visiting China, she would always tell you how much she liked it.

We were blessed to have her in our lives as long as we did and we will miss her sense of humor, her smile and sweet disposition.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents Arshavir and Varsen Zakarian. Her sisters Eleanor Dickranian (Archie), Isabelle Kershner (Eddie) and Louise Hairabedian (Ara) and niece Laurel Dickranian Karabian.

She is survived by her daughter Denise Hovsepian, son in law Krikor and recently united stepson Ernie Oakes (Alana). Nieces Cindy (Ken) Norian, Melena (Keith) Koligian, Tami (Jim) Garry and nephew Lance (Trina) Hairabedian and their families.

Due to Covid - 19 restrictions a private graveside funeral service will be held.

In Lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Ararat Nursing Facility. 15099 Mission Hills Road, Mission Hills, California 91345 or to donor's favorite charity.