Bernice Berjoohi Kandarian

The closest thing on earth to God’s unconditional love is the sacrificial love of a mother’s heart. Serving others, giving of herself and passionately loving family and friends describe our Mom, Bernice (Bunny) Kandarian.

John 11:25-26 tells us that “Jesus said, ‘I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?’” Bunny believed this and was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on April 14, 2020 at the age of 90. She was born in Los Angeles to Armenian immigrant parents, Moscov and Vanoohi Sepanian, on May 11, 1929. Before long they moved to Bakersfield where her sister Connie was born. Bunny graduated from East Bakersfield High in 1947 and ventured north to attend U.C. Berkeley graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1951.

During her college years Bunny was a bridesmaid in her cousin’s wedding where she met and was paired with a handsome groomsman, Mike Kandarian. A few years later, Bunny and Mike would find themselves to be bride and groom on Valentine’s Day 1953. The early years of their marriage would see many moves, beginning in Oakland where they welcomed first-born Michael, then to Bakersfield where Susan was born. Their final move landed them in Fresno where Pamela and Robert completed their family. This marriage and partnership lasted 53 years until Mike’s passing in 2006.

For many years Bunny gave of herself supporting Mike and her children’s activities as she enjoyed serving behind the scenes with Triple X Fraternity, Fresno Scottish Rite, Shriners, PTA, St. Paul Armenian Church, Job’s Daughters, DeMolay, and many more.

It is often said the heart of the home is the kitchen, and the heart of our kitchen was Mom. The wonderful aromas and delicious creations that came from her kitchen best expressed her gifts of love, hospitality, and serving others. After many years of honing her culinary skills, Bunny and Mike partnered with Ann and Dick Marsuobian and opened The Berrock Shop in 1977. The men were “silent” partners while Bunny and Ann were the heart, soul and worker bees of their new venture that would last 12 years.

With their children grown, Mike and Bunny enjoyed many travel adventures taking them to Hawaii, Canada, Europe, cruises to Alaska, the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, and more.

1988 brought a new title and unsurpassed joy to Bunny ~ “Grandma”. Once again, Bunny spent many years pouring her love into her four grandchildren preparing many treats from her kitchen.

The last couple of years for Bunny were spent at the California Armenian Home and the Vineyards where she was cared for by many wonderful people. Hinds Hospice was her final stop and we couldn’t be more grateful for their “angels” who serve with such grace and dignity. We want to send a heartfelt “thank you” to all those who cared for her during these last years of her life.

Bunny is survived by her children: son Michael, daughter Susan and her husband Ken Abrahamian, daughter Pam and her husband Eric Tobias of Modesto, son Robert and his wife Susan; grandchildren: Kenny Abrahamian and his wife Ashley, Allyson Abrahamian, Zachary Tobias, Samantha Kandarian; great grandson Kenny Landon Abrahamian; sister Connie Owen of Bakersfield; sister-in-law Elizabeth Dashjian; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her family will honor her at a private graveside service. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date when we can safely gather together and share our memories of Bunny. Remembrances may be sent to California Armenian Home, 6720 E. Kings Canyon Rd, Fresno CA, 93727; Hinds Hospice, 2490 W. Shaw, Fresno CA 93711, or donor’s favorite charity.