ANAHID (MISKJIAN) MACKEEN
July 9, 1928 – February 9, 2025
“It’s all about love,” Anahid (Miskjian) MacKeen would say. Anahid, or “Ann,” as friends called her, believed that almost everything could be solved with an extra dose of kindness, and humor. She would befriend strangers, and learn their life story, within minutes; and always helped those in need. With a comic’s timing, she loved to give impromptu speeches that would leave the whole room laughing. For her, there was only one side to life: the bright side.
Born in Istanbul to genocide survivors Arshalous and Stepan Miskjian, she was the second of three children. From a young age, she was drawn to writing, penning a column as a teenager for an Armenian newspaper; and later earning top prizes in local contests for her plays. She graduated from UCLA and became a probation officer. In 1963, she married James MacKeen, and later had two children, Dawn and Eddie, her pride and joy.
To everything, she brought a child-like wonder, always pausing to take in nature and her surroundings. She loved to strap up her hiking boots and hit the trail, up to Mount Hollywood, and volunteered in Griffith Park. She helped to lead The Barnsdall Neighborhood Association with her husband of nearly 50 years, James MacKeen. She is survived by her son Eddie and her daughter Dawn; son-in-law Steve and granddaughter Mireille, as well as many nieces and nephews and cousins. Her husband predeceased her, as did her sister Alice and her brother Johnny.
A memorial service will be held at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, on March 14 at 3 p.m. at the Church of the Hills. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to the AGBU.
