Anna Kalfayan

Anna Kalfayan was born in Evanston, Illinois on July 31, 1931, the only child of Ohan Der Hagopian and Eva Ekizian (Hatounian). Anna passed away in Visalia on October 27, 2016. Anna’s family, including half-brother Hampar Ekizian, moved from Illinois to the Central Valley in the early 1930’s where they joined the Armenian Yettem community. Anna attended Lovell Elementary School, then graduated from Visalia Union High School in 1949. Anna married Sirag Kalfayan in 1950. Sirag’s father, Avak Kahana Der Garabed Kalfayan, was the celebrant priest presiding over the marriage of his son and daughter in law. The couple became a staple of the Yettem St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church congregation. Sirag and Anna had two children, John in 1954 and Garo in 1956. After living on the family farm in Yettem, the family moved to Visalia in 1958, when Sirag continued his work in the used car business. During her early years of marriage, Anna devoted her complete attention to her husband, children, and later Avak Kahana Der Garabed, who moved in with the family in 1955. After John and Garo were established in school, Anna resumed her career in the banking business (United California Bank and First Interstate Bank) where she worked for 25 years. In addition to her singular devotion to her family, Anna also became an active member of the Yettem St. Mary church, serving as an organist, choir member, and a 50-year member of the St. Mary Ladies Society. Anna was known throughout the Central Valley as one of the finest cooks of ethnic Armenian food and pastries. She is survived by her husband Sirag, son John and daughter-in-law Sandy, grandchildren Kevin and Devin; son Garo and daughter-in-law Nancy, and grandsons Aris and his wife Emily, Zaven, and Sarkis. She is also survived by her nieces: Mari Louise Menendian, and Laurie Menendian and husband Fred Marrs; nephew David Menendian and wife Ardemis, and their children Armen and Ani; niece Kathy and husband Harold Bazarian and their children Julie and Jacqueline; Sandy and Desi Gonzalez and their children Gregory and Gary. A service will be held at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Yettem, on Friday, November 4, 2016 at 10 a.m. Remembrances may be made to St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, P.O. Box 367, Yettem, CA 93670, or to the donor’s favorite charity. A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Anna Kalfayan

July 31, 1931 - October 27, 2016