Jessie Garry

Jessie Garry was born in the family farm house on their ranch in Del Rey, CA on May 9, 1924 to Nishan and Zuvart Chooljian. She attended Bethel Grammar School and Sanger High School, graduating in 1942. She continued her education at Reedley College and UCLA. Jessie graduated from UCLA in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She was a proud alumnus of UCLA always rooting for the Bruins during the annual USC v. UCLA football game. The one day each year she opposed her sons’ alma matter, USC.

In 1948, Jessie married Ed Garry from North Hollywood, CA. In 1952, together they started their dried fruit gift pack business, Garry Packing, Inc., in the garage of their home in Sherman Oaks, CA. They moved the business to the family farm house in Del Rey and then into its current facility on the same property. The business grew from five employees the first year to over 300 seasonal employees. Jessie assumed the role of production manager overseeing and directing what would become the nation’s largest seasonal hand packed dried fruit gift pack business. She treated the employees like they were part of her family. In return, they treated her with respect. Many of them returning to the seasonal work for over 20 to 30 years.

Her passion was Garry’s Country Store. She loved interacting with customers. They would come each holiday season seeking advice on what gifts to buy and send to family and friends.

Family was most important to Jessie and her true legacy. She loved to entertain and cook. Holiday gatherings and family events were central to keeping family traditions. As tribute to her culinary capabilities, she was featured in a Time-Life cookbook with a section on Armenian Cooking in America.

Jessie was a dedicated member of Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church and its Dorcas Guild. She was also active in Ani Guild, a support group for the California Armenian Home, serving a term as its president. Jessie and Ed both supported their church and Armenian Home through many years of service and dedication.

Jessie passed away peacefully on December 21, 2022 with family at her side.

She is survived by her two sons and their families; Dr. John Garry and his wife Carol; Granddaughter Lauren Boggio, husband Robert, Great Grandsons, George and Henry; Granddaughter Jessica Kuhn and husband Marcus; Grandson John Paul Garry and his wife Emily.

Son Jim Garry and his wife Tami; Grandson Grant Garry; Granddaughter Taylor Gerard and her husband Paul and Great Grandson Theodore.

She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Her faith and honest approach to issues carried her through life’s challenges. A private family funeral was held on Tuesday January 3, 2023.

Remembrances may be given to Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church or the donor’s favorite charity.

Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church

3673 N. First St

Fresno, CA 93726

www.pilgrimchurch.com

A private service was held for Jessie will be held Tuesday, January 3, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church, 3673 N. First St., Fresno, CA 93726. Following the private service was held will be a private graveside service from 12:03 PM to 12:30 PM at Belmont Memorial Park, 201 N Teilman Ave, Fresno, CA 93706.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Garry family.