Diana Sarabian Chilingerian

April 1, 1930 – January 22, 2026

Diana Sarabian Chilingerian was born on April 1, 1930, on Highland Avenue in Sanger, California, to Jacob and Elissa Sarabian. She spent her early years between Sanger, Exeter, and ultimately Fresno, where she would remain a cornerstone of the community for over seventy years. Diana passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, in the same home she and her late husband, Avis, had shared since 1966.

Growing up alongside her older brother Charles, her identical twin sister Dorothy, and her baby sister Alberta, Diana's early life was centered on family and her Armenian heritage. After moving to Fresno, she graduated from Roosevelt High School. She played tennis and began her long association with St. Paul Armenian Church through the choir and the Armenian Church Youth Organization. After graduation, her early professional life began at the F.W. Woolworth store on Fulton Street, where she managed the record department. She later became a bookkeeper at Hodge & Sons.

In her early twenties, Dorothy's boyfriend Charles set Diana up with the man that became the love of her life, Avis "Chili" Chilingerian. Their courtship endured while Avis was stationed at Fort Ord during the Korean War, eventually leading to a wedding on Independence Day in 1954. They built a life of devotion, welcoming their daughter, Lisa, in 1958, followed by their son, Jonathan, in 1962.

Their marriage was a testament to enduring love and shared ambition, spanning more than 62 years of partnership in both life and business. This entrepreneurial journey began in earnest when Diana left Hodge & Sons to join Chili in the surplus trade. Together, they built a local legacy that grew from Bargain City in 1966 to the iconic Chili's Warehouse in 1976. These ventures were always a true family affair; from the family ranch and firework stands to parking cars during the Fresno Fair, Diana worked side-by-side not only with Chili, but also with her mother, her in-laws, her children, and eventually her grandchildren.

Chili's Warehouse, in particular, became more than just a grocery store; it was a neighborhood staple and the heartbeat of the family. For decades, it served as a professional hub for their family, as well as a welcoming crossroads for friends and relatives alike. Following Chili's passing, Diana carried this legacy forward with strength, guiding the business until its doors closed in 2018. Even then, retirement was never quite

her style; she remained active in property management and day-to-day operations alongside her son and daughter-in-law until very recently.

Beyond their businesses, Diana and Chili were the quintessential hosts, famous for unforgettable parties at their 500-seat Butler Park Hall. Their social calendar was a vibrant blend of graduation parties, holiday gatherings, and "just because" events. The hall served as the backdrop for everything from fraternity bashes and engagement parties to historic community moments, like serving as Sal Quintero's election night headquarters. Adding to the fun were the legendary rides on Chili's bus, "El Busso," which, complete with its own bar, became a symbol of the joy and hospitality they shared with everyone they met. Through these events, they forged lifelong friendships with families like the Ahronians, Chooljians, Clouds, Herogians, Kalashians, Kaprelians, Kazanjians, Michigians, Sarabians, Tusans and many more. These bonds led to grand adventures, from the shores of Santa Cruz to the inauguration of Governor George Deukmejian.

Diana's adventurous spirit eventually took her around the globe. What began with a lively group trip to Mexico in the 1970s blossomed into decades of international travel. From the vibrant streets of New York and New Orleans to Ray Appleton-hosted cruises through Europe, Asia, and Australia, Diana embraced every opportunity to see the world alongside her sister Dorothy and close friends like Joyce Terzian. Yet, as much as she loved the far-off seas, she was just as happy closer to home, especially if there was a casino nearby. She was a regular at Table Mountain and Chukchansi, enjoying countless laughs and lucky streaks with Joyce, Bev, and Carol.

Over the years, Diana remained a loyal member of the Ani Guild and the Women's Trade Club. She was a fixture at church social events, especially the "Burgers and Bingo" nights at St. Paul, and was a spirited fan of the LA Dodgers and Fresno State Bulldogs. For many years, she laced up her sneakers to participate in the Fresno Cross City Race. She also found time to be a season ticketholder for Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater and 2nd Space Theatre, and saw many plays at Saroyan Theatre.

As the pace of life eventually slowed, Diana found joy in simpler pleasures: weekly trips to the hair salon, shopping at Fig Garden Village, and "competing" on Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! from her armchair. Above all else, her greatest light was her family. She lived for their visits, finding her deepest pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Diana was a woman of strength and sharp wit. Whether she was managing the aisles of Chili's Warehouse, navigating the globe with her friends and family, or hosting the

community at the Hall, she did so with a tenacity that defined her generation. She leaves behind a legacy of hard work and hospitality, but more importantly, a family and friend group that was the center of her world. Diana's life was a vibrant map of Fresno Armenian history, and her spirit will live on in the stories told by the many friends and family members who were lucky enough to share in her journey. Nanny, you will be missed.

Diana was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Elissa; her husband, Avis; her brother, Charles Sarabian; her sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Charles Hazarian; and her brother-in-law, Jack Bedoian.

She is survived by her sister, Alberta Bedoian; sister-in-law, Donna Sarabian; her daughter Lisa and son-in-law Kenny Melkonian; her son Jonathan and daughter-in-law Janet Chilingerian; her grandchildren Andrew, and his wife Megan, and Gregory Melkonian, and Jenna, Jessica, and Jillian Chilingerian; and her great-grandchildren James, Madilyn, and Blair Melkonian; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family expresses their deepest gratitude to her caregivers, Soyla, Sarahi, and Angelina, and her longtime physician, Dr. Steven Chooljian, for their tenderness and support.

Services will be held on January 29 at St. Paul Armenian Church (9 am viewing and 10 am service), followed by interment at Ararat Cemetery. The family warmly invites you to join them for a luncheon in celebration of Diana's life at Pardini's Catering (2257 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93711) immediately following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, Donations in memory of Diana may be made to St. Paul Armenian Church;  3767 N First Street, Fresno,Ca 93726, or to the donors favorite charity.