Helen Shapazian

January 14, 1923 - June 23, 2021

Helen Shapazian was born to parents John and Hripsime Shapazian in a farmhouse in the Malaga countryside of southeast Fresno. Her family eventually moved to Selma, California.

Helen graduated from Selma High School in 1941. A year later, she and her sister Vera left the Central Valley for Los Angeles. In support of the war effort, they worked at the Lockheed factory where they drilled holes and installed rivets on the ailerons of airplane wings. She retired after a long career working in actuarial services for Transamerica Life Insurance Company.

Helen ultimately returned to Fresno, enjoying family and friends, working in her garden, and keeping up with current affairs. She was blessed with a long, content life.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Varsen Strange and Vera Phelps, and her brother John Shapazian.

She is survived by her niece Danielle R. Shapazian, nephew Jack Shapazian, and nephew David Shapazian. She is also survived by her great-niece Kaitlyn Shapazian.

Funeral services will be held on July 1 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gregory Armenian Church, with burial at Fowler Cemetery.

Remembrance donations may be sent to St. Gregory Armenian Church, P.O. Box 246, Fowler, CA 93625 or the donor's favorite charity.