Paquerette Marie-Therese Markarian

December 12, 1937 – February 16, 2026

Paquerette Marie-Therese Markarian was born on December 12, 1937, in Saint-Étienne, France. She passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Regine Markarian; her son, Philippe Markarian (wife Monique); her four grandchildren, Joey, Jenna, Conner, and Chase; and her three great-grandchildren, Noa, Angelo, and Jalina.

Paquerette immigrated to the United States in 1954, arriving in Fresno with her brother, Hugo Kevorkian. They stayed with their uncle while she worked as a seamstress and took on various other jobs, saving money and learning English. In the mid-1950s, they were able to bring their parents, Yeghia and Piloun Kevorkian, to Fresno, which would become their forever home.

In 1959, Paquerette married Joseph Markarian at St. Gregory Church in Fowler, California. In 1961, they purchased their first home, along with twenty acres of Thompson Seedless grapes, where they grew grapes and produced raisins for many years. During the early years on the farm, Paquerette worked multiple jobs to help support the family, including positions at Fort Washington Country Club and the Laura Scudder potato chip factory.

Determined to advance, she continued improving her English and earned a position as a USDA raisin inspector. While working in that role, she recognized that opportunities for advancement were limited for women in what was largely considered a "man's world." Refusing to accept discrimination, she courageously addressed the matter with the US Government through legal channels and ultimately prevailed. Her victory helped open doors for women to be treated more equally in the workplace.

As she sought her next chapter, Paquerette studied tirelessly to become a Certified Financial Planner in 1988.  In 1992 she established Mark Capital Management where she grew her practice one referral at a time creating an amazing book of business with many clients becoming lifelong friends.  In an effort to provide educational opportunities for colleagues she created the CPA Law Forum.  She was quite the trailblazer, becoming one of the first women advisors of her kind in California's Central Valley. In a field long dominated by men, she distinguished herself through brilliance, integrity, and unwavering resolve. She built a respected practice and eventually retired to care for her husband, Joseph.

Paquerette was a woman whose presence was deeply felt by her clients—unyielding in her convictions, generous in her mentorship, and fearless in the face of barriers that would have stopped a lesser spirit. As an immigrant to the United States, she embodied determination and self-reliance, shaping her own destiny through courage and perseverance.

Her legacy is one of strength, progress, and possibility—a reminder that meaningful change is often forged by those bold enough to step forward when no path yet exists.