Carole Mary Sarkisian-Bonard

Carole Sarkisian-Bonard, a long time Fresno educator died on June 23, 2021. Born in 1945, she was the daughter of raisin packers Eddie and Belle Sarkisian, loving wife of Dr. Edward Bonard, sister of Judge Edward Sarkisian, Jr. and his family. During her high school years, she was active in student affairs and was elected National Vice President of Future Homemakers of America. Carole and her high school Home Economics teacher, Wilma Holt, traveled the country promoting the field of Home Economics. In June of 1963, Carole was asked by the U.S. Justice Department to visit Bethune-Cookman College. As a polished speaker, Carole delivered a significant and ground breaking speech before the Homemakers of America in Daytona Beach, Florida. She was a member of Governor Edmund “Pat” Brown’s and Governor Ronald Reagan’s Advisory Committees on Children and Youth. In January 1965, Carole was awarded the first Governor’s Medallion for outstanding youth service by Governor Brown, Sr. and was California’s delegate to the 1965 White House Conference on Children and Youth.

She was active at Fresno State College, her alma mater, she was named outstanding freshman woman, held class offices, was editor-in-chief of the Daily Collegian and belonged to numerous service and scholarship organizations. Following her graduation, she began a thirty-seven year career with the Fresno Unified School District. Her academic experiences included teaching at Roosevelt High School, counselor, vice-principal, assistant principal and principal at Hoover High School. Following her principalship, she was promoted to the district office serving as an assistant superintendent of high schools, associate superintendent of secondary education an then deputy superintendent/assistant to the superintendent, retiring in 2004. She earned her Master of Arts degree at the University of San Francisco and her Doctorate Degree in England.

Carole was named Woman of the Year for the 31st Assembly District by the California State Legislature. She loved her time spent educating students, she was deeply involved with sports programs offered to them and assisted several high schools’ outstanding athletes with their college recruiting.

Her past time and leisure activities included being a lifelong accomplished pianist. Playing the piano brought her great joy. Carole and her husband, Ed, traveled the world extensively. Together, with extraordinary passion, they raised and dearly loved their poodles.

After her retirement, she helped organize the Fresno Unified Retirees’ Association (FURA) and served as its first president. She counseled hundreds of retirees on their vested retiree health benefits. Carole established her educational consulting business firm and assisted and advised many students, working professionals and the Fresno Economic Opportunity Commission on many important topics.

Carole was a woman of love, integrity and a commitment to always help others.

Viewing, July 7, 2021 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, at Lisle Funeral Home and Remembrance Service for Carole on July 8, 2021 at 10:30 am at the Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church, 3673 N. First St., Fresno CA.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lislefuneralhome.com for the SARKISIAN-BONARD family.