Irene Soojian

Irene was born in Pennsylvania and with her family moved to Fresno, CA. in 1951 and later that year married Hagop Soojian. Marrying into an Armenian family she immersed herself in the Armenian culture, learning to cook Armenian cuisine and learned to speak Armenian fluently.

In the beginning she worked in the family business, ak-mak Bakeries. Eventually she went to work for Safeway as a grocery clerk for over 25 years. Irene was a hard worker, known for being the friendliest and fastest grocery checker at Safeway (she received many awards for it). Customers would often choose to wait in her line to be taken care of instead of another shorter line. After she left Safeway, she returned to help in the family business until the last 4 years of her life.

Through the years Irene was always there for her family, giving needed care and support, as well as giving of her time and resources despite working full time. She was known for always visiting friends and family, and she never arrived empty handed, always bringing them something special. She was very generous to her friends and family.

Her enjoyment was her family and simple things. To share a meal and visit, or watch a fun movie made her happy. Irene was very hospitable and a wonderful hostess. She loved to host parties and cook for everyone seeing them all have a good time. Irene was well known for her rice pilaf. No one could make it like her, she was frequently asked to make it for others for their weddings, anniversary parties, graduation parties & other events, which she often did.

Irene was such fun to be around, her loud laugh was contagious along with her hugs. When she wasn’t hosting or cooking for someone, she loved to go out to eat.

Irene also enjoyed traveling. Through the years she was able to travel to the Czech Republic and South Africa. She loved the Carmel coastal area visiting there often as well as making it an annual family trip. She also enjoyed her annual trips to Disneyland with her grandson, when he was young, and family members.

Irene always had a special way with people because she enjoyed people. She was known and loved at the Sanger post office, the bank, and many other businesses and places that she frequented for her kindness and for bringing them goodies.

Irene spent her life living by example her strong spiritual beliefs and sharing with others the benefits of learning about Jehovah God, his purpose for mankind, and having a friendship with him.

We appreciate those who assisted us with managing her care for the past 3½ years and especially her caregivers for the care & love given to her.

We will greatly miss Irene and are deeply saddened by her passing. But we are heartened by the same thought that supported Irene when she suffered the loss of a loved one. That is knowing that she is in the absolute best place she can be, in Jehovah’s memory and his “book of remembrance” (Malachi 3:16) awaiting the resurrection.

Irene is survived by her daughter, Tanya Hodge, son-in-law Keith Hodge, grandson Shayne Hodge, sister Rose Rodarte, brother Paul Huha & many nieces, nephews, great nieces, & great nephews.

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