Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Staff Report
With the death of Arlene Srabian, the Armenian Studies Program lost one of its most ardent supporters.
Arlene Gale Srabian, born in Fresno on May 21, 1944, was the first child of George Gulian, survivor of the Armenian Genocide, and Hazel Vartanian, native of Parlier, California. Arlene was a member of the first graduating class of McLane High School and attained an art degree in 1966 from Fresno State University. She met the love of her life, Robert Srabian, of San Francisco, at a Fresno-Triple XXX Convention and they married on January 3, 1970, at Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church.
She began her teaching career at John Muir Elementary School in Fresno and also taught in Burlingame, California during the first year of her marriage. Arlene took time out from her career to raise her two children, Bryan and Shayla. Arlene dedicated 28 years to teaching Kindergarten at Toby Lawless School before retiring in June 2010. Her little students were the loves of her life and she affectionately called them her “mama loves.”
While battling her illness this past year, she returned to the classroom to teach art because it was in this medium, surrounded by her students, that she found her joy.
Arlene had a love and exuberance for life, a gift for painting, and a bright smile that would brighten up any room. She was very involved in the Armenian Community. Teacher, artist, mother and devoted grandmother, Arlene was progressive, unconventional, and always urged those around her toward truth and honesty.
Arlene was a great supporter of the Armenian Studies Program, serving on its Advisory Board. She was always available to help, especially in the planning of the Armenian Studies Program Annual Banquet.
She is survived by her husband Robert; son Bryan; and daughter-in law, Selena Srabian; grandchildren, George and Henry Srabian of Sacramento; daughter, Shayla and future son-in-law Erik Pulatian of Los Angeles. She is also survived by her sister, Joann Vahanian and her husband Michael, of Fresno.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Armenian Studies Program, California State University, Fresno, 5245 N. Backer Ave., PB 4, Fresno, CA 93740-8001.