Rosie (Derderian) Sheklian was born on August 9, 1926, in Parlier, California and died peacefully in her own home on the morning of October 24, 2018. She was the second of three children born to Yervant and Makroohi Derderian. Her brother Mike Derderian and sister Sylvia Davidian preceded her in death.
The family moved to Dinuba where Rosie grew up on the family farm. She graduated from Dinuba High School. She met her husband, Neshan, when he came home to visit relatives in California after serving in World War II. They were married months later on August 10, 1946. The marriage took place at the St. Sahag-Mesrop Armenian Church in Reedley since a fire had destroyed their home church in Yettem.
They raised their two children, Marguerite Rose Sheklian and Myron Edward Sheklian in Visalia, California where Neshan (Nick) was a certified public accountant and Rosie was a homemaker. Neshan passed away in 2006—16 days before their 60th wedding anniversary. Her daughter Marguerite preceded her in death in May of 2015.
Rosie served in such organizations as the PTA, American Red Cross, March of Dimes, and American Cancer Society. She was a Girl Scout leader and a member of the Kaweah Delta Hospital Guild where she volunteered in the surgery waiting rooms. She was a member of the St. Mary Armenian Church Ladies Society since 1953 and attended church services in Yettem every Sunday—including last week. Rosie was probably best remembered by others for her selfless dedication to family and her compassion and caring for those who needed assistance when ill or home-bound.
Rosie is survived by her son Myron and his wife Debbie Sheklian of Visalia, grandson Christopher Nicholas Sheklian of Brooklyn, New York, granddaughter Melissa Rose Sheklian and her husband Sayanan Sivaraman of San Jose, California. Rosie is also survived by her sister-in-law Violet Derderian of Fresno and her brother-in-law Gary Smith of Visalia and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Monday, October 29 at the Miller Memorial Chapel in Visalia, beginning at 4 PM. At 6 PM, the traditional Armenian Home Service will be conducted in English. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 10 AM, at the St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Yettem, CA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, PO Box 367, Yettem, CA 93670 or the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel in Visalia.
