After living a beautiful life that brought joy to so many, Virginia Sarabian entered her eternal rest on September 23, 2023 at the age of 90. She was born June 2, 1933 in Modesto, California to Aram and Armen Yeram, where she spent most of her young childhood until her father's sudden passing in 1946. In 1948 her mother (Armen) decided to move Virginia and her older sister Mary to Fresno, where Virginia would attend and graduate from Fresno High in 1951. There she became very close with a number of classmates, many of whom became lifelong friends.

Upon graduating high school, she decided to stay in town and continue her education at California State University Fresno, where she earned her RN degree. It was also during her college years that she met her future husband from Sanger, Sarkis Sarabian, and the two married in 1956. During that time, it was rare for women to work full time, but Virginia had a deep passion for nursing and she began working in the maternity ward at Valley Medical Center.

In 1958 the couple welcomed their first child, Michael, followed by David in 1959 and Charles in 1962. She often found her schedule to be full, balancing work at the hospital and raising the 3 boys with Sarkis, while also finding time to stay involved with the boy's school events and church functions at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church. Through her busy schedule she continued to work her way up at the hospital, where she held the position of Assistant Director of Nursing until her retirement in 1981.

Upon retirement, she became involved with the family farming business, where she would help supervise the packing facility. She enjoyed the camaraderie with the workers, vendors, neighbors and friends. Her natural love of people made it a great fit, allowing her to have endless social interactions during the excitement of the day-to-day operations. Her involvement with the farm even expanded to opening her own fruit stand at the Fresno Airport.

In 1988 Sarkis & Virginia welcomed their first of seven grandchildren; Brent, Jordan, Chareena, Lauren, Jacob, Seth, & Chloe. Her grandkids became a huge part of the next chapter in her life, where she and Sarkis would often find themselves attending events and functions for each of the grandchildren. Her love for her family was evident in everything she did, never wanting to miss a single event, regardless of how big or small it was, she was always there. Even more exciting for Virginia was the birth of her three great grandchildren, Vance, Shawn and George.  Her face would light up when she would spend time with them- affectionately called GG by Vance, the eldest.

During her retirement years she continued to pursue things she was passionate about. She often found herself participating in many church and nonprofit functions or attending her favorite painting classes with all of her friends. She instilled an attitude of servanthood into her family and set an example for them to emulate and carry on.

Virginia was one of one. She would call you at any hour, show up unannounced, and be there if you ever needed anything. With her magnetic personality, she would make friends wherever she'd go; banks, Dr. offices, nail salon, hair salon, church, everywhere she went she made friends. Her outfits would often match her personality; colorful, fun, and always just a bit different from everyone else- Til her last breath.  Virginia did things her way, unapologetically living her life the way she wanted, and we're all so grateful to have been a part of it.

She is survived by her sons, Michael (Betty), David (Patti),Charles (Lori); Grandchildren, Brent, Jordan (Courtney),Chareena, Lauren, Jacob (Tara), Seth (Sabrina), Chloe; Great-grandchildren Vance, Shawn and George Sarabian.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Sarkis Sarabian whom she passionately cared for during a lengthy illness. While in care for him, she wanted to keep her RN license current which she maintained until death.

She lived a full life and overcame every challenge in her way. She was fearless, optimistic, and loving.  Now, she is in the heavenly realm and is at peace in her heavenly home. The bible verse in John 13:35 encapsulates her life. "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

This is Virginia Sarabian's legacy to those that knew her and how she loved them purely and genuinely.