Margaret Zaruhy Whalen

Margaret Zaruhy was born on September 24, 1920, in Fresno, California. She was the first born child of Elisha and Makrouhi Apigian, followed by her brother, Abraham (Jerry) Toros, three years later. She grew up in Fresno, attending local schools, then graduating from Fresno State College with a Bachelor of Arts’ Degree in Nursing.

She joined the U.S. Army during the time of World War II, serving as a First Lieutenant Nurse. Upon her honorable discharge, Margaret started working at various hospitals, and then found her passion in teaching. She taught at the College of San Mateo and East Los Angeles College before coming to Cerritos College in Norwalk, California. She served as a professor, Assistant Director, and Director of the Vocational Nursing Program throughout her 20+ years at Cerritos.

She married James Fenton Whalen in 1969, and they lived happily in Glendale, Long Beach, and Downey for many years.

After retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her husband, square dancing activities, and volunteering her time with the American Red Cross. She was a member of the American Association of University Women in Downey, mentoring nursing students through their scholarship program. In her later years of life, she lived in Huntington Beach, to be close to her family.

She is preceded in death by her cherished husband, “Fent” Whalen, and her beloved brother, “Jerry” Apidgian.

She is survived by her two stepsons, Jim Whalen, and Mark (Charlene) Whalen, their two daughters, six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Jeanne Apidgian; niece Lynda (Gary) Rutherford, their two daughters and seven grandchildren; nephew Mike Apidgian and his daughter; and niece Cindi (Sid) Lee, their two children and two grandchildren.

She will be laid to rest at Westminster Memorial Park in Westminster, California.

~Sleep in Heavenly Peace~

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