Gloria Medzian's Obituary
Gloria Medzian was born September 7, 1920, in Detroit, Michigan, to Krikor and Julia Boyajian. Both her parents were survivors of the Armenian genocide who fled to the United States from Kharpert, Turkey, settled in Michigan and then later in Fresno, California. Gloria had three siblings, Betty Anne, Edward (a paratrooper who was killed in the Battle of the Bulge in 1944), and Robert.Gloria attended Wayne State University in Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Upon graduation, she taught elementary school, first in Michigan and later in California.In 1943, she met the love of her life, Edward S. Medzian, when he visited the Armenian Congregational Church of Detroit where Gloria was a Sunday School teacher. Ed was an officer in the United States Army stationed at Fort Custer in Battlecreek, Michigan, and Gloria knew immediately that she would marry him. In July 1944, they married in a military camp church in Abilene, Texas.When the war ended, Ed and Gloria moved to San Francisco where their daughter Barbara was born in 1947. In 1957, they bought a house and settled in Hillsborough, California.Gloria was an active member of the Hillsborough and greater Bay Area communities. After she retired from teaching, her antique business, Gloria’s Antiques, was a staple on the Peninsula. She also had the pleasure to serve on many philanthropic boards and charitable causes. Gloria was a member of the Junior Museum Auxiliary and in 1970, she chaired their annual fundraiser, The Decorators’ Show House, at the Crocker Estate. She was also a co-founding member of the Carolands Garden Club, Co-Chair of the Symphony Foundation of the Peninsula, and Member of the Auxiliary of the Children’s Health Home. Over the years, Gloria was featured in many local publications for her dedication to these organizations, whether it be playing the “witch” for the Haunted House benefitting the Children’s Health Home or demonstrating the art of flower arranging for the Hillsdale Flower Festival.Gloria’s deep appreciation for her Armenian heritage and faith in God inspired her to co-organize and become the first Chairwoman of the San Francisco Peninsula Chapter of the Armenian Missionary Association of America. She was also active in numerous other Armenian organizations, including the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, and hosted many fundraising events and gatherings on their behalf.A survivor of breast-cancer, Gloria was never one to complain or slow down. She was an avid gardener, dancer, swimmer, traveler, and jazz aficionado, hobbies she shared with those around her. She was also a master hostess, and her love for entertaining and cooking led Gloria and Ed to participate in a local neighborhood dinner group that met for over 40 years.Perhaps Gloria’s most rewarding accomplishments were being a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was selfless in her actions, loving in her words, and supportive of all around her.Gloria passed away on August 27, 2016 surrounded by her family. She was blessed to celebrate 72 years of marriage to Ed as well as Ed’s recent 96th birthday. Together they shared a love that only exists for most in the movies. Gloria was an elegant, graceful woman dedicated to helping her community, her church, and her family. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, endless love for life and laughter, and graceful entertaining.She is survived by her husband, Ed, their daughter Barbara Medzian, two granddaughters, Michelle Kezirian (d. Peter), Nicole Simonian (Andrew), and two great grandchildren, Alexander and Ashley Simonian. In addition, she is survived by her beloved nieces and nephews. Gloria’s spirit will live on each day when we smile, as she was happy when we were happy.A memorial service for Gloria will be held on Saturday October 1st at 11:00 AM at the Calvary Armenian Congregational Church, 725 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco, California.The family requests donations to be made to the Edward and Gloria Medzian endowment Fund of Calvary Armenian Congregational Church; or to the Edward and Gloria Medzian Endowment Fund of the Armenian Missionary Association of America, 31 West Century Road, Paramus, New Jersey 07652.
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