Mary Zimmer

Mary Zimmer, 98, passed away at the California Armenian Home on January 3, 2017 with her nephew Jon at her bedside. Born to Arminag and Veronica Khushigian on April 23, 1918, Mary grew up on a grape vineyard at the corner of First St. and Dakota in Fresno. She graduated from Clovis High School in 1936. During World War II, Mary moved to Oakland, CA and worked at the Naval Supply Center. She married Anton Paul Zimmer on June 7, 1947 and returned to Fresno to start their life together. Their son, Robert Paul, was born March 4, 1952.

During the summers Mary worked for Libby’s cannery in Selma and in the winters for Simonian’s Packing House in Fresno. She was always the happiest when surrounded by family and friends with her home becoming a natural gathering place for celebrations, meals and good-natured card games. Mary enjoyed the time spent with her husband and son, joining them to pan for gold and later with Paul scanning for buried treasures. While watching her son Robert, and his constant companions, cousins Jay and Jon she tended to her garden and fruit trees. Mary loved to knit and crochet, donating many items to her Dorcas Guild and Church fundraisers. She was especially proud of the sweaters and jackets she knitted and wearing them often as well as giving them as gifts. Mary enjoyed cooking and with her sisters Anne and Grace, prepared their popular and profitable Kufta for church events.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Paul (1999) as well as sisters: Alice (Jake) Cannon, Grace (Paul) McCaughan, Anne (Merlin) Elder and brother Aram (Isabel) Khushigian. She is survived by her son, Robert and his wife, Celeste and their daughters, Marianne and Rebecca. Surrounding Mary with love and laughter during her time at the Armenian Home were her niece and nephews and their spouses: Jackie (Eddie) Sarkisian, Vern (Linda) McCaughan, Dennis (Helen) McCaughan, Keith (Linda) Elder, Jacob (Sue) Khushigian and Jon (Cheryl) Khushigian. Sharing her smiles and sparkling jewelry with Mary, Joanne Eskender visited her daily.

Our family wishes to thank the staff at the California Armenian Home for the kindnesses shown to Mary who worked so closely with her after her stroke and during hospice care. A very special thank you to Bertha and the Station 5 caregivers.

The viewing will be held at Boice Funeral Home on Thursday, January 12th from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm., with graveside services on Friday, January 13th at the Clovis Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Mary’s honor to the Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church 3673 N. First Street, Fresno, CA 93726.

Arrangements under the direction of Boice Funeral Home, Clovis, CA.