Beatrice Soxman

Bea (Anahid Mikaelian) Soxman passed away September 7, 2023. She was born in Dinuba May 11, 1941 to Hacher and Takouhi Mikaelian. She was the youngest of 5 children and grew up on the family farm in Monson. Bea attended Yettem Armenian School, Dinuba High School, COS, and Fresno State. She began teaching at Orosi High School. Bea then taught at Mt. Whitney High School in Visalia and helped open Golden West as their Business Department Chair. She ended her educational career as head of the vocational education programs for the Visalia Unified School District. She married Jim in 1964 in Yettem, Ca. The couple had 2 daughters, Donna (Del) Venturella and Tracy (Albert) Valencia, and 5 grandchildren: Elizabeth and Alex Torosian, and Ani, Lauren, and Gabriel Valencia. Bea enjoyed taking her grandchildren to her Morro Bay home for vacations and shopping. Disneyland was an annual trip for many years. She cherished many gatherings with family and friends. Bea was active in Church activities her entire life. She was a member of ACYO, Mr. & Mrs. Club, the Century Club, and the Ways & Means Committee. She served as Sunday School Superintendent and Parish Council Chairperson for many years. Bea was awarded the Diocesan Hye Spirit Medal for her years of service. She was a born leader. We want to give special thanks to Lucelina Rocha and Veronica Garcia, two caregivers who treated Bea with kindness as if she were part of their family. We would also like to thank Gentiva Hospice for all their love and support. Home service will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 5:30 pm at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell, Visalia, CA. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 10 am at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, 14395 Ave, Yettem, CA. A memorial luncheon will follow the church service at the church hall. Buriel will follow the luncheon at Visalia District Cemetery District, 1300 W. Goshen Ave. Visalia, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made to St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, P.O. Box 367, Yettem, CA. 93670. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Beatrice Soxman

May 11, 1941 - September 7, 2023