Wife of philanthropist Arshag Dickranian was one day shy of her 102nd birthday
LOS ANGELES—Well-known benefactor Eleanor Dickranian, wife of philanthropist Arshag Dickranian, passed away on February 16 at her home just one day shy of her 102nd birthday.
Eleanor Dickranian was born on February 17, 1912, in Selma, California. Two years after graduating from Selma Union High School, Eleanor met Archie Dickranian, whom she married in November, 1932, according to an obituary in the Los Angeles Times.
The young couple first lived in Los Angeles, and soon after moved their business and their home to Beverly Hills. Frequent vacations to Yosemite fostered Eleanor’s appreciation of nature which became a lifelong interest, mainly in the form of her love of flowers and gardening. Eleanor and Archie were active in establishing and developing Los Angeles’ Armenian community, especially embracing projects focusing on education, the arts, and the church.
She was always supportive of her husband’s leadership role in many local Beverly Hills organizations. Eleanor passed away one day shy of her 102nd birthday, very peacefully, in her own home, in her sleep. She had a full and wonderful life.
She is survived by her two daughters Cynthia (Ken) Norian and Laurel (Walter) Karabian, five grandchildren Tom, Tim, John and Cate Norian and Madeline Karabian; six great-grandchildren Kasey, Nick, Clay, Kelly, Jack and Alex Norian; and her two sisters Isabelle Kershner and Evelyn Oakes. Eleanor is pre-deceased by her husband and her sister, Louise Hairibedian.
A Vesper Service will be held on Sunday, February 23 at 7 p.m. The Funeral Service will be on Monday, February 24 at 11 a.m. Both services will be held at St. James Armenian Apostolic Church, 4950 West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90056.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to TCA Arshag Dickranian Armenian School, 1200 N. Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038.
Rest in peace.