Isabelle “Zabel” Tatoian Kabrielian was born in Chicago on Sept. 20, 1921, the daughter of John “Hovhannes” Tatoian and Martha Khesdoian Tatoian. Her mom died in 1929 when Isabelle was only eight years old, so she was raised by her stepmother, Elmas HaroutunianTatoian.
Isabelle met her future husband, Albert “Ardashes” Kabrielian, during World War Two. Their first contact was by mail while Albert was in the service. Coincidentally, their fathers had met in France during World War One. Albert and Isabelle married in 1946 and lived in New Jersey, Al’s home state.
Two years later, the couple moved to Fresno where Isabelle found work as an administrative secretary with an accounting firm. While working full time, she enrolled at Fresno State College and graduated with honors in less than 3 ½ years.
In 1959, Isabelle started her teaching career of nearly three decades at Jefferson Elementary School in Fresno. She retired in 1988.
Isabelle became a “Dirouhi” in the Daughters of Vartan, a women’s service organization whose principles are based on Christian morality and good conduct.
In her spare time, Isabelle was an avid reader, an enthusiastic bridge player, a lover of classical music, and a fan of the Chicago Cubs baseball team as well as the TV game show, Jeopardy! She contributed to many charitable causes, especially those which supported education, Armenian culture, and the protection of animals.
Both Isabelle and Albert were active members of St. Paul Armenian Apostolic Church throughout their life together. Isabelle served as choir director for many years.
They were also generous supporters of the California Armenian Home where Isabelle spent the last five years of her life. She passed away peacefully after a brief illness at age 99 on Jan. 24, 2021. Isabelle was predeceased by her husband; her sister, Genevieve; and her brother, Vahan. She is survived by her cousins and godchildren as well as innumerable friends, neighbors and students – all of whose lives she has enriched beyond description.
There will be a private service due to Covid. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to the California Armenian Home, 6720 E. Kings Canyon Rd., Fresno Calif. 93727; or to St. Paul Armenian Church, 3767 N. First St., Fresno, Calif. 93726.
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