Roxie Harutiunian

Araxie “Roxie” Harutiunian beloved wife, sister, and aunt entered the arms of our loving Lord peacefully on August 20, 2023, surrounded by her family in Fresno, CA. Roxie was 81 years old.

Roxie was born on November 21, 1941 in Havana Cuba. Her parents, John & Zabel Basmajian, were survivors of the Armenian Genocide and found haven in Havana Cuba for nearly 20 years. Roxie was the third of four siblings with an older brother, Richard, older sister, Katherine and younger sister, Helen.

In October of 1946 the family immigrated to the United States landing in Miami, FL. Their destination was California. The family traveled cross country by train to Fresno in the company of many soldiers returning from their WWII postings. The long journey was enlivened by these soldiers who kindly entertained the Basmajian children with games and provided them with treats.

The Basmajian home was filled with love, and friends and neighbors were always around to share in the delicious homecooked meals. It was a multi-generational home where grandmother Mariam Tavlian Kaloustian and great aunt Nouri Philibosian shared accommodations and helped raise the children with John and Zabel in a Christ centered environment.

Roxie graduated from Roosevelt High school and upon completing two years of college, she moved to Beverly Hills to pursue her own career. Roxie was a courageous and independent trailblazer; most young women of that era would not have chosen to leave home to live on her own, but Roxie wanted to see and live her life outside of Fresno. To her credit, within a week, she secured a townhouse in Beverly Hills and was hired at the Beverly Hills Bank of America as a teller. Roxie had a beautiful smile, soothing and inviting voice, and built the trust of her bank patrons; soon she became the most sought-after teller at her branch. Roxie met her first husband, Berj Berberian, MD, a UCLA Medical school graduate during this time. They fell in love and married in 1966. However, before their one-year anniversary, Berj suffered a fatal heart attack and passed away in her arms. Roxie depended on her faith to get her through this most tragic time in her life.

In the 1970’s Roxie worked at RCA Victor, a record label studio in Hollywood as an executive secretary. On New Year’s Eve 1974, Roxie met her future husband, Levon Harutiunian. Theirs is a true love story. The moment Levon saw Roxie, he knew he was going to marry her, he just didn’t realize how long that would take. He asked her to dance at that New Year’s Eve party and he got her name. After the dance, Roxie disappeared from the party, and he did not see her again until ten years later. In 1985, Levon and Roxie both attended an Armenian Professionals event. When Levon saw her, he was determined to ask her out on a date. Roxie was being pursued by other suitors that night and Levon put on his charm, they danced the entire evening together and she accepted his invitation to go out on a date. From that time on, they never left each other’s side. On May 9, 1987, Levon and Roxie were married in Los Angeles and moved to Fresno later that year to be closer to Roxie’s family.

Roxie retired, enjoyed running her household and lovingly took care of her parents until their passings. Roxie’s greatest joy in life was to be with her husband and family. Levon and Roxie enjoyed traveling, entertaining, and being with family and friends.

Roxie is survived by her husband of 36 years, Levon; her brother, Richard Basmajian and his wife Pamela; her two sisters, Katherine Bedrosian and Helen Caprelian and her husband Marvin. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-grand nieces and nephews and a great great grandniece. Services and burial are private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, 2226 Ventura St, Fresno 93721.

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