Madeline was born on October 9, 1937, in Long Beach, California to Armenian immigrants Barkev and Tresa Halajian, and peacefully passed to her heavenly home on July 13, 2021, in Fresno, California.

At a young age, Madeline's family moved to Oakland, California where she was raised in a strong Christian household.  She attended Castlemont High School, notably being the President of the Girls League, as well as being an extremely social student.  Madeline's high school years would set the stage for the busy life she had ahead.

After high school, Madeline attended Fresno State and graduated with a degree in Diagnostic Radiology.  After graduating, she began a 45-year professional career in her new hometown of Fresno as an X-Ray Technician.  While settling into Fresno, she began friendships with other Armenian families in their tight knit community who knew her parents during their journey from Armenia to America.  One of those families being the Arakelians.

In 1960, Madeline met the love her of her life John Arakelian.  As fate would have it, years earlier, John's future father-in-law was the one who drove his mother to the hospital for him to be born.  John's father could not get off work, so it was Madeline's father Barkev who stepped up and assisted the family, thus driving his future son-in-law to the hospital to be born.  The destined couple, John and Madeline were married on June 3, 1961, at St. Paul Armenian Church.  Their reception was held at the Desert Inn, an exciting and lively venue at the time.

During their marriage, Madeline and John welcomed two children, Johnny, and Allison.  Madeline was a devoted mother, wife, and always made sure to serve her community.  She was known by her family to have a busy and enthusiastic social calendar.  Being a strong woman of faith, Madeline actively served for over 55 years at First Armenian Presbyterian Church and held administrative roles with the Fidelis Society and Ani Guild.  In addition, Madeline assisted her community by serving the California Armenian Home, Armenian Christian Women's Organization, Women's League of the Armenian Community School, Manchester PTA, and the Girl Scouts.

Madeline had a unique ability to connect with the goodness in everyone.  She was the truest definition of loyal, loving, joyful, uplifting, faithful, and up for anything. She thrived on the enjoyment of being around people with her admirable social calendar. Her genuine kindness and sweetness were known by all she met. She also was famous for her authentic Armenian baking, that she often shared with family and friends.

When Madeline was not serving her community, she was proudly attending one of her five grandsons' athletic games, and as they grew, family get togethers were always cherished.  She will be greatly missed by her family and friends, but all are comforted knowing that she has been welcomed into eternal life.

Madeline is survived by her dear husband John of 60 years, son Johnny (Mechelle), daughter Allison Garabedian (Michael), grandsons Michael Titus (Gina), Grant Arakelian, Joseph Garabedian, Blake Garabedian, and Michael Garabedian, and great grandson Rex Titus, brother Harry Halajian (Delores), sister Armene Bagdasarian, sister-in-law Adeline Arakelian, and many cherished nephews and nieces.

The family would like to thank Dr. Rohit Sundrani and his assistant Mark, as well as Dr. Dickran Gulesserian. A special thank you to the staff at the California Armenian Home for their compassionate care during her stay.

Funeral Services will be a viewing on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Yost & Webb Funeral Home 1002 T. St Fresno, CA 93721 and a Memorial Service on Thursday July 22, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at First Armenian Presbyterian Church 430 S. 1 ^st St. Fresno, CA 93720.

Remembrances may be sent to First Armenian Presbyterian Church and the California Armenian Home 6694 E. Kings Canyon Rd. Fresno, CA 93727.