Iskui Merdjanian

Iskui Merdjanian, 65, passed away on the morning of December 21, 2024, in Fountain Valley, California. She was born on October 5, 1959, in Yerevan, Armenia, to Abgar and Mariam Cholakhyan. Iskui was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, teacher, and friend to many.

Iskui lived a rich and vibrant life filled with love, music, and community. She grew up in Armenia, where she earned her degree from Yerevan Music College and pursued her passion for teaching piano. In 1980, her family immigrated to Los Angeles, California, and later settled in Huntington Beach. There, she continued her studies in music at Golden West College.

Iskui’s professional life was as fulfilling as her personal one. She worked in operations at El Dorado Bank in Huntington Beach for nearly a decade. From 1995 to 2020, she served as Group Director of Sunshine Generation, a children’s performing group in Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley, where she shared her love of music and nurtured young talent.

Iskui found joy in playing tennis and riding her bike. Her love for music extended beyond her work as she sang and played handbells in her church choir at Community United Methodist Church (CUMC) in Huntington Beach. Above all, her greatest passion was her family. She dedicated herself to raising her children and being a strong presence in the communities she called home.

Iskui is survived by Paul, her devoted husband and partner of 33 years; her mother, Mariam Cholakhyan; her brother, Movses Cholakhyan; her three children, Michael, Andrew, and Alex Merdjanian; her daughters-in-law, Dennise, Chloe, and Samantha Merdjanian; and her granddaughter, Amelie Merdjanian.

Iskui’s legacy of love, warmth, and music will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.