Isabell Mardirosian

Isabell was the eldest of 6 children, raised in Cleveland, OH by her loving parents and two loving grandmothers who resided with the family. Beloved companion of her father, Isabell accompanied Yeprem on travels as well as their favorite past time auctions. Isabell was a graduate of East High School, Cleveland, OH and was a pole vaulter for East High and was very active in the youth activities of her church as well as the Armenian youth organizations. The family lived on acreage large enough that Isabell designed and built a 9 hole golf course, using whatever can was available! She reveled in the outdoors as a child and that love continued through her adult life. A favorite past time was climbing Squaw Peak well into her 80’s.

Isabell married Martin Mardirosian May 23, 1941 and moved to Akron, OH where Martin was employed by Goodyear Aerospace. Their daughter Dolly was born during their time in Akron. After the end of WWII they moved to Los Angeles, CA to be closer to Isabell’s family while Martin commuted to San Diego where he worked with Howard Hughes and the Spruce Goose. Isabell loved living close to her parents and siblings but Goodyear Aerospace opened a plant in Litchfield, AZ and the Mardirosian family to Phoenix in 1951 where she resided until the time of her death.

Isabell was a charter member of OES Glendale chapter; was instrumental in the development of the Historic First Presbyterian Church’s library – her great love; president of the Professional Engineers Wives Club; was an election judge until she could no longer read a ballot; Phoenix area Armenian General Benevolent Union; loved to square and round dance at Bud’s Barn; a fanatic bridge player who belonged to enough bridge groups that she played 5 days a week; grew the most beautiful delphiniums and roses on the block; loved to dance at the adult centers at the weekly dances; was a late to life thespian reveling in the First Church’s play productions; a member of the Friday Night Club; the Westerner Club; accomplished backgammon player which she imparted to her daughter; a great sense of humor and in general loved life and all of its adventures!

Isabell is survived by loving family which includes her daughter Dolly (Gordon) Maxwell; Grandchildren Heather (Todd) Goodwin; Jennifer (Mike) Germano; Marty (Behnan) Maxwell; Great-Grandchildren Zabel Anne Germano and Ani Elizabeth Germano; Einstein Maxwell; and very special friends MaryAnn Pyle,Michele Watters and Caryn Kaufman who enriched her life!

Preceding Isabell in death was her husband Martin; Sisters Alice Loud, Grace Hurst and Nancy West; brothers Nazarete and Harry Astikian.

During the last months of her life, Isabell spoke often of missing her family and ready to go home and now she is home with her beloved family.

Gratitude extended to Debbie Hamilton, Effie, Rose and Mariana who lovingly cared for Isabell during the last weeks of her life.

A memorial service to celebrate Isabell’s life will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 26th 2013 at the Historic Frist Presbyterian Church 402 West Monroe in Phoenix, Arizona 85003 . For further information regarding this service please contact A.L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuary 602 249-2111. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice in Isabell’s name.

Adventurous, Courageous and Loving.