Lucinne Menendian Bennett

Lucinne Menendian Bennett, active and devout member of St. Mary Armenian Church of Yettem, devoted sister to her three siblings and beloved aunt to her nephews and nieces, died in Visalia Nov. 4 at 93 years old. She is survived by nieces Mari Louise Menendian, Laurie Menendian, and nephew David Menendian, grand nephew Armen Menendian and grand niece Ani Menendian, first cousins Vernon and Nersis Patigan and Ben and Ed Iskenderian, and sister-in-law Araxie Menendian.

Lucinne was born in Visalia on Sept 1, 1917, the third daughter of Abraham and Ovsanna Menendian. She graduated from Visalia Union High School in 1935, and then became a licensed beautician and cosmetologist. Her work experiences included beauty shops in Cutler, Orosi and Visalia. She also served as a mail and file clerk at McClellan Field near Sacramento during World War II. Lucinne enjoyed traveling and resided in Montana, Minnesota and Missouri and Canada, among many other parts of the United States, but her ties to Yettem-Visalia remained strongest. She was a fixture in this small community, but knew a large circle of friends through her work experiences at Switzer’s Drug Store in Visalia, and later as cosmetics department manager at Visalia’s first Long’s Drug Store for more than 17 years. She was an ardent supporter of the Tulare County Symphony, and for many years attended its concerts. Lucinne invested countless hours of volunteer work at Kaweah Delta Hospital and at Visalia’s Discovery Shop, practicing Christian principles she believed in every day of her life.

Her church and family provided Lucinne with her greatest comfort. She grew up attending the Yettem Presbyterian Church. She later joined the St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Yettem, where she was an active member of the Ladies Society and attended church regularly. Lucinne was also a lifetime member of the Armenian General Benevolent Union.

Lucinne’s friends and family will remember her good will, compassion, friendship and generosity.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Yettem on Saturday, November 13, 10:30 a.m. A memorial luncheon will follow at the St. Mary Church Hall.

Remembrances may be sent to the St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Yettem or to one’s favorite charity.

Arrangements under the direction of Miller Memorial Chapel of Visalia