Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Staff Report
Castro Valley resident Rosalie Mahakian has bequeathed the Armenian Studies Program at California State University, Fresno $50,000 for general Program purposes. She passed away in Castro Valley on February 10, 2007.
Rosalie Hagopian Mahakian, born in Fresno, California July 7, 1922, was one of five children in the family of Ovagim and Elizabeth Hagopian. Her childhood was that of a typical farming family: picking grapes, stacking trays when it rained, or drying raisins. Living conditions were Spartan, but parental love was overflowing.
Mahakian received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley and was an educator for 32 years in the same San Leandro school during which time she developed a passion for traveling—mostly done on a shoestring. She developed an insatiable passion for the arts that took her to the major museums of the world. She traveled extensively to Europe (including a trip to Armenia), South America, and Africa where she flew over Victoria Falls. She took shorter trips to the Ozarks, Hawaii, Cape Cod, Washington, D. C., the Rockies and many other places.
A highlight in her life was being accepted in a renowned a cappella choir which broadened her horizons beyond Dinuba and offered a lasting love for music. She was an accomplished artist, taking art classes, painting landscapes, animals, and abstracts. She even had a few showings where she sold some of her paintings.
Church became a focal part of her life supplementing Sunday golf after her beloved husband, Gregory Mahakian, died in 1965. He left her a loving legacy with his daughters, Wendy Merrill, Marissa Potter, son, Greg, their children and six grandchildren. Mahakian was a very active participant at St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church, serving on the Parish Council, Women’s Executive Board and was Maintenance Chairperson. If electrical, painting, or anything needed work at the church, she was in charge of contacting the right people and getting the best price.
Rosalie Mahakian is survived and will be dearly missed by three siblings, Dick Hagopian, Deron Hagopian, and Blanche Hagopian. She had many nieces and nephews including Patty Sadoian, her oldest sister’s daughter. She had a large extended family of friends including Paul Mickle, her longtime close friend and companion.