Rosemary (Chalabian) Vartanian was born December 21, 1936 in Cleveland, Ohio, and passed away on January 20, 2022 in Fresno, California.

Rosemary was the oldest of two children born to Nishan and Melia Chalabian.  Her father had owned and operated the Empire Hotel in downtown Cleveland. When Rosemary was 2 years of age, the family moved to Los Angeles, California. When Rosemary was 7 years old, her mother and father moved to the small community of Oleander, CA, in Fresno County, near the town of Easton. Her father bought an 80-acre grape farm and she grew up there on the farm until she was an adult. Rosemary attended the Oleander Grammar School and Washington Union High School. She graduated with the class of 1955, which was the year she met her future husband, Andrew (Andy) Vartanian. After graduation, Rosemary attended Fresno City College and earned an Associated of Arts Degree. She worked as a secretary for Sunland Industries while also enrolled in night school, until she married Andy Vartanian on May 16, 1959.

When the children were older, Rosemary returned to full-time employment with Harris Construction Company. She always had an interest in law, so she went to work for Crossland, Crossland, Chamber, McArthur & Lastreto. Rosemary enjoyed her work at the law firm. After retirement, she decided to work part-time for the Fresno Unified School District as an office substitute. She did this work for many years and enjoyed the children at the schools. But amongst these jobs, she enjoyed being a mother to her two children the most.

Rosemary enjoyed dancing, spending time with family, and having coffee with her friends on Saturday mornings. She and Andy could be seen dancing and socializing at Armenian Picnics, Clovis Old Town Farmers Market or just about anywhere there is music playing.

Rosemary is survived by her husband of 62 years, Andrew Vartanian, her son Michael (Diane) Vartanian of Oxnard and her daughter Judi (Ara) Tekerlek of Stockton.  She is also survived by her grandchildren David (Kristi) Vartanian of Ventura, Danny (Julianne) Vartanian of Ladera Ranch, Ryan Tekerlek of San Jose, Kristi Tekerlek of Fresno, Audrey Tekerlek of Sacramento and great grandchildren, Carter and Drew Vartanian and Ellie Vartanian. She is also survived by her brother, John Chalabian.

The funeral service will be held at Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church, 3673 N First St, Fresno, CA on Tuesday, February 1 at 10:00am. Burial will follow the funeral at Belmont Memorial Park, followed by Lunch at the Pilgrim Church Social Hall.

In lieu of flowers to honor Rosemary, kindly send donations to: Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church, and the SPCA.