ADELINE ARAKELIAN Obituary

ADELINE ARAKELIAN

January 31, 1934 – March 20, 2026

Adeline Arakelian was born to Sarkis and Siran Torosian in Dinuba, California, on January 31, 1934. She attended Reedley schools and graduated from Reedley College in 1953.

She then attended the Art Center School in Los Angeles and the School of Advertising Art in San Francisco. She graduated from Fresno State College, receiving her teaching credential in 1955. She subsequently began her teaching career at General Grant School in Reedley. That same year, she married Donald Arakelian of Sanger, whom she met at Fresno State. They moved to Laton in 1957 when he began teaching at Laton High School.

They both taught there for 38 years and were blessed with three sons. She taught art, English, and journalism. Although she worked during her sons' formative years, she lovingly supported them in all their sporting events and academic pursuits. During this time, she also played the violin with the Kings County Symphony Orchestra.

During her teaching career and beyond, she was affectionately and respectfully referred to as "Mrs. A" by her students and colleagues. She enjoyed giving students opportunities to actively participate in the arts, including field trips to Los Angeles art museums and live television productions, as well as directing plays and variety shows.

In preparation for retirement, the family moved to Fresno, where she became actively involved with the Armenian Christian Women, the Daughters of Vartan, and St. Gregory Armenian Church in Fowler, including its Ladies Society and Sunday School, where she chaired many activities.

Following her retirement, she served as Grand Matron of the Daughters of Vartan from 2000 to 2002. In 2006, she was asked to create a documentary film entitled "A Historical View of the Daughters of Vartan," which was shown that year at the Grand Convocation in Philadelphia in July 2006. The following year, she directed the filming of another documentary, "Initiation Ceremony Procedure."

She enjoyed many creative endeavors in her spare time: cooking (she was especially known for her delicious yalanchi), entertaining, solving daily Fresno Bee crossword puzzles, and playing bridge and other card games with friends. For a short time, she even created crossword puzzles and had a few published by Penny Press Publishers.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Kirk Torosian; her sisters, Theresa Shahbazian and Rosalin Nalbandian; her sister-in-law, Madeline Arakelian, and her husband, Donald, after 56 years of marriage.

She is survived by her sons and their families: Donnie Arakelian, Dean Arakelian, Stuart Arakelian and his wife, Caroline; and four cherished granddaughters--Talia Kazarian (Niko), Lenna Arakelian, Lauren Arakelian, and Morgan Arakelian--as well as her brother-in-law, John Arakelian. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

The family extends a special thank you to her dedicated caregiver of six years, Manya Tonakanyan, along with the caring staff at The California Armenian Home. Your continued kindness, patience, and support have meant so much.

Visitation will be at Yost & Webb Funeral Chapel (Fresno, California) on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. A Daughters of Vartan service will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at St. Gregory Armenian Church (Fowler, California) on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be private. Remembrances may be made to St. Gregory Armenian Church in Fowler, California, The California Armenian Home in Fresno, California, or the donor's favorite charity.