Mimi Ida Koligian

Mimi Koligian left her earthly home to be with her Lord on January 14, 2025, at the age of 96, surrounded by family. Born in Chicago, Illinois, she was the oldest daughter of Krikor “Zadig” and Nazen Zadigian and sister of Arpe Zadigian.

After graduating as salutatorian from high school, Mimi attended college at Iowa State before moving with her family to Fresno, California, where she graduated from Fresno State, majoring in dietetics. In 1950, Mimi married the love of her life, Deran “Amos” Koligian, her husband of 51 years prior to his passing in 2001. They raised their three children, Debbie, Keith, and Wayne, on the Koligian family farm in the Kearney Park area. Life on the family farm involved all things Mimi valued: creating memories with the family, hard work, and giving back to the community. Mimi played an essential role in the family as homemaker, caregiver, wife, and mother. While raising her three children, she served as PTA president, 4-H leader, Sunday School teacher, Weight Watchers lecturer and, most importantly, the main cheerleader at all of Debbie, Keith, and Wayne’s school and sporting events.

Life on the farm left little time for family vacations, but Amos and Mimi prioritized trips to Pismo Beach with the kids. The first stop was the community park in Paso Robles for a picnic and playtime, then it was off to the beach. When they won a trip to Waikiki in 1980, Mimi was convinced she was finally going to have a tropical vacation in an exotic location. Instead, they spent their time visiting the Farm Bureau and learning about pineapple production. In later years, they enjoyed annual road trips. The destination was always unknown to Mimi… Amos would drive “wherever the pickup takes us” and Mimi’s job was to pack the ice chest with the bean and egg burritos, then to not worry about it and relax… which was absolutely no problem for her. Her children and grandchildren would wait patiently to receive postcards to see where the two had ended up – from the Alamo to Billy the Kid’s gravesite to the Tetons in Wyoming.

While dedicated to her children and husband, her greatest devotion was her commitment to Christ. Throughout her adult life, she taught Sunday School and led Bible studies. Her well-worn Bible was always at hand, and her New Year’s resolutions were always the same, year after year: to make sure the Gospel was shared and everyone she met knew they were loved by Jesus. Growing in her own faith and knowledge of Christ was her priority – even completing a three-year Bible course in her 80s and “graduating” with a degree in Biblical Studies… cap and gown and all!

After the children were grown, Amos was called to public service as a member of the Fresno County Board of Supervisors for twenty years. Mimi found herself in the role of supportive political spouse, and she took on the challenge as she always did – with ease and confidence.

Mimi’s heart for others was shown in her selfless giving… you could not leave her home without a flat of vegetables you were directed to deliver to a neighbor or a dozen monthly devotionals to distribute to everyone on her list. If you were moving into a new home, she would ask to be the one to organize your kitchen in a way that would maximize efficiency and organization – another of her passions. Her love of efficiency was shown every time she got behind the wheel – she knew every shortcut in Fresno County to get her to the destination the quickest. Her home was a hub for family and friends – the annual Fourth of July party was the Kearney Boulevard event of the year, and Sunday dinners with the whole family were always a favorite. Everyone who entered her home was welcomed, well-loved, and always well-fed.

One of Mimi’s most notable attributes was her positive perspective on life. She was unbothered by trivial matters, always saw the good in others, and never took herself too seriously. Whether she was playing pinochle and standing on the playing table to celebrate a good hand or watching collegiate football with her grandsons, Mimi will always be at the heart and center of joyful family memories.

During her time living at the California Armenian Home, Mimi developed wonderful relationships with the devoted, caring staff who were drawn to her warm personality and kind spirit. Her family owes a debt of gratitude to the numerous professionals and staff at the Armenian Home. Special thanks go to Anahit Vardanyan who provided such loving care.

Mimi was preceded in death by her husband, Amos, her parents, and, very notably, her “angel on Earth” – Haiganoush Pehlivanian, her maternal grandmother, her “Nana”.

She is survived by her three children: Debbie (Chuck) Poochigian, Keith (Mimi) Koligian, Wayne (Sarah) Koligian. She has nine grandchildren: Mark (Jennifer), Kirk (Stephanie) and Laura Poochigian; Adam and Phillip (Rachel) Koligian; and Paul (Claire), Patrick (Kelly), John (Amanda) and Katherine Koligian. She is also survived by 14 great grandchildren and her favorite sister, Arpe Zadigian.

Remembrances may be sent to Faith Baptist Church, 106 E. Shields Ave, Fresno, CA 93704, California Armenian Home, 6720 E. Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727, or donor’s favorite charity.