Shirley Jane Tatarian leaves behind a life filled with love, family, friendship, and countless memories. We mourn her loss deeply, but are especially grateful for the love, wisdom, and example she provided us throughout her life.
Shirley was born January 12, 1934, in Richmond, CA to Richard and Jane Crigler. She was an only child and often talked about wanting a large family because of it. Shirley was dedicated to family, created a loving home. She was always firm in her convictions, ready to provide a hand-up to others, and known for her hospitality. A gourmet cook, in both her own Italian heritage and her married Armenian one, she amazed her friends and guests with her culinary skills. All her children learned to cook by her side at the stove or at our one-of-a-kind marble kitchen table.
Shirley married Milton Tatarian on October 13, 1951. Together they built a home, raised a family of six children, and created a life filled with faith, traditions, laughter, and frequent gatherings.
Shirley was an avid volunteer and contributor at St. Helen’s School and Parish, and she and Milton supported their children and their respective high schools of San Joaquin Memorial and Roosevelt. She was often involved in local politics and other charitable organizations. She had a support network of dear friends and hosted a weekly gathering of the “crazy ladies” at her home. Those who knew Shirley will remember her sense of humor, love of reading from her extensive library, the joy she experienced in completing complex puzzles with friends and family, and her cravings for hot Cheeto’s and Dr. Pepper.
Her greatest gift to us is the love she shared with family, and that love will continue through all of us. We will remember her, honor her, and carry her with us always.
Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Milton and son Michael. She is survived by her children: daughter, Lisa McQuone and partner, Al Keppler; son Chris and his wife Linda; son Steve and his wife Kathy; daughter, Monica Hernandez, and her husband Martin; son Nick and his wife Cheryl. She has seven grandchildren: Mathew McQuone and partner, GiGi Quintero, Dane McQuone and spouse Rachel, Katie Botello and spouse Sonny, Jocelyn Tatarian, Vincent Tatarian and spouse Tyler Hazelwood, Julia Clauson and spouse Vinay, and Amanda Bammer and spouse Jordan. She also has twelve Great Grandchildren. She is also survived by her two close friends, Ginny Mullins and Marge Chernick. A special thank you to Sally Martin Winter who was her caretaker for the past 7 months.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Helen’s Catholic Church, 4888 E. Belmont, Fresno, 93727 at 10:00 a.m., October 14, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, Remembrances may be made in the name of Shirley Tatarian to either St. Helen’s Catholic School, 4888 East Belmont, Fresno CA 93727, or Poverello House, 412 F St., Fresno, Ca. 93777.
