Rosemary Cloud

One of a kind. That's the best way to describe Rosemary Cloud. No one could get things done, throw a party or make you laugh quite like her. Born in Detroit, Michigan to Armenian immigrant parents Karnig and Helen Parigian, Rosemary was the oldest of four children. Rosemary and her family left the cold of Michigan for the sunshine of California.

They settled in Visalia where they operated a dry cleaners. Rosemary graduated from Visalia Union High School in 1949. Her brothers Charles, Roosevelt and Arnold loved cars; building hot rods became their life. While Rosemary respected a nice set of wheels, she wanted more. She moved to Fresno and worked in retail. Then one day Rosemary was driving her lowered 1940 Ford down Van Ness Boulevard. Her car stood out; it was black with skirts and chrome wheels.

It caught the eye of a young man named Kay Cloud. The teen was in awe of not just the car, but the girl driving too. He tried to catch up with her, but Rosemary was too fast. Then one day Kay went to a party and parked out front was Rosemary's car. The rest is history. They were married January 25, 1952 at Castle Air Base in Merced.

A resident of Fresno's Sunnyside for 55 years, Rosemary's home and big backyard were her pride and joy. She loved to ride her bike around the neighborhood, cook and entertain. Rosemary had a giving heart and welcoming smile. She loved to help people. In the 1960's and 70's she volunteered at Community Hospital. She enjoyed traveling and seeing the world. Rosemary treasured her yearly family vacations to Santa Cruz.

Her family was her top priority. She was the best wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She enjoyed life and fought to the very end.

The family would like to thank Justin Smith for his loving care to Rosemary the last eight months. She touched a lot of lives and the world is a better place because she was in it.

Rosemary is survived by her husband of 60 years, Kay Cloud, daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Nishan Soghomonian and granddaughter, Sarah Soghomonian.

A viewing will be held at Lisle Funeral Home on Thursday, May 17, 2012 from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 18, 2012 at Holy Trinity Armenian Church at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Armenian Community School and California Armenian Home.