Irene DeVan Peloian

Irene was born on June 27, 1927, in Belleville, New Jersey, to George and Armen DeVan. Her father was an Armenian-Turkish immigrant, and her mother was a genocide survivor. Irene passed away on August 13, 2023, in Fresno, California, at the age of 96.

Irene attended school in Belleville, and graduated high school in 1945. The highlight of her school years was when a young singer named Frank Sinatra would perform at dances, which Irene attended with her best friend and cousin, Alyce.

Irene then attended the New York American Academy of Dramatic Arts, in Manhattan. She had aspirations of becoming a film actress. After two years, Irene moved with her family to Fresno, and she worked in retail, most notably, Cahns Women's Clothing store on Fulton Street. She also did runway modeling. In 1952, Irene married Simon (Sam) Marootian, and they eventually raised their children on a vineyard ranch in Fowler, California. Irene loved entertaining and cooking for friends and family, and was the perfect hostess. Irene and Sam also loved playing pinnacle, and other card games with their many close friends. She cherished the close knit "small town" atmosphere of Fowler, and would remark in later years that those were the "best years of my life."

Irene liked to travel, especially to Hawaii and Las Vegas, and was an "expert" black jack player. Annual summer family trips to Santa Cruz were a tradition, especially staying in Suite 411 at the Dream Inn.

Irene was a political activist, and worked for 30 years in various campaigns for the Democratic Party. She organized many political events at her home, and would even cook Armenian food for governors and senators visiting the Central Valley.

Irene was beautiful and kind; the epitome of grace and elegance, but she was also humble, down to earth, giggly and fun. Besides politics, S.F. Giants baseball was her passion. She loved rescue dogs and stray cats. She adored being with children and young people, and she had many "adopted" sons, daughters, and grandchildren.

Irene was, above all, a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, cousin, "aunty", and friend.

After the passing of her first husband, Sam, Irene married Edward Peloian in 1988. They shared a very strong love and partnership for nearly 30 years, until Eds' passing in 2016. They were major supporters of the Arts, including the Fresno Philharmonic and Fresno Art Museum.

During the past several years, in addition to her children, Irene was lovingly cared for by Zerouhie Bedrossian, Cynthia Magill, and Susanna Voskanyan, as well as the amazing staff at Summerfield Memory Care facility.

The family wishes to express their love and appreciation to each person who treated Irene like their own mother.

In addition to her parents, and two husbands, Irene was preceded in death by her two younger brothers, George DeVan and Martin Essayan. She is survived by her son and daughter in-law, Marcus and Anchalee Marootian; daughter Robyn Marootian, all of Fresno; sister-in-law, Scotty DeVan, of WA., nieces Jaymie Devan of Los Angeles, and Jordan DeVan, of WA., and three nephews, Mike Shahbazian, Steven Shahbazian and Robert Shahbazian. She is also survived by her godson, Dr. Jordan Howard, of Atlanta, and her best friend/soulmate, Diane Mosesian, of Colorado.

Private services will be held. Remembrances may be made to the donors' favorite charity.