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there until 2003. In retirement he took up greatest childhood joys was when her father grandsons Anthony and Andrew Arroyo,
portrait sculpture as a hobby and at the age surprised her at Christmas with a piano grandsons Michael and Matthew Vieira
of 89, "shot his age" in golf. which still sits in her home in San Francisco! and 5 great grandchildren. She was
The son of Armenian refugees from the Gladys’ entire education, from grade predeceased by her husband Ardson in
Turkish Genocide, Jack grew up in Altadena, school to college, occurred in Fresno. Her 2013. The funeral service was held on
CA, joined the US Navy in 1943 and was as- father made a special point for Gladys to May 28, in Kingsburg, CA.
signed to a troop carrier in the South Pacific. attend Sunday school. At Pilgrim Armenian Gladys’ life was a testimony of
A little- known fact about Jack Sheen is that, Congregational Church, Gladys began her Christian life that taught her family and
at the age of 17, he could type almost 100 life long relationship with the Lord. friends much.q
words per minute on a manual typewriter. Gladys’ first jobs always involved book-
This skill enabled him to spend the war in keeping. When World War II broke out,
a bunk next to the Commander, transmit- candy was in short supply. She helped her
ting and receiving vital communications in father start his "Raisnut" company. They Sona A. Yerganian
Morse code. Sona A. (Arzo-
In 1951, he graduated from Stanford sold Fresno raisins mixed with Spanish manian) Yerganian
University and continued at Stanford Uni- peanuts which was the predecessor to trail of West Roxbury, MA
versity School of Medicine, graduating in mix. It was a profitable enterprise. went peacefully to her
1955. Following an unclear path, he com- In 1948 a new chapter began to eternal rest at the age
pleted a year of OB-GYN residency and three unfold in Gladys’ life when she moved of 96 on May 5, 2021,
years of general practice before completing to San Francisco. She had met Ardson comfortably in her
Plastic Surgery training in 1964 at Cook Shegoian by the introduction of Badveli home and surrounded
County Hospital, Chicago. Nichan Hachian. This was the beginning by her family.
Jack will be missed for his warm person- of a love affair that would last over six de- Born at Hart Hospital in Boston, MA
ality, sense of humor and generous spirit. cades. Gladys and Ardson were married Sona was the only child of Asadour and
He is survived by his wife Anitra, sons at Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Zumroohee (Moskofian) Arzomanian. She
Matthew and Michael Sheen, daughter Joan Church in 1950. They established their grew up in Roslindale, then moved to West
Sheen Welch, and granddaughters Caro- family which included Ardson’s mother Roxbury in 1945, where she raised her
line and Carlie Sheen and Sarah Welch.q Zaroohy in San Francisco. Sherry and Jim family.
were born and the family was complete. Sona was devoted to her loving hus-
Gladys’ philanthropy and Christian band for 69 years, Dr. George Yerganian,
Gladys Shegoian faith were inspired by her father. From who preceded her in death two years ago.
Gladys Manoogian establishing schools in Tripoli, Lebanon to After graduating from the New England
Shegoian of San Fran- being an active member in the AMAA and Conservatory, she became an accomplished
cisco, CA passed away AGBU, her father set a high standard of love, concert pianist. Sona met George when he
on May 19, 2021 at the compassion and conviction in the Christian attended her performance at the Interna-
age of 100 years and faith that Gladys would be well known for. tional Institute. They were engaged a month
3 months. It was an She took on the responsibility of being the later on Valentine’s Day.
She was a lifelong member of the Ar-
honor for the Shegoian Northern California Representative to the menian Women’s Welfare Association, and
family to have a matri- AMAA, Treasurer of the AGBU and Secretary contributed to music, arts and spiritual com-
arch who lived a Christian life for 10 decades. to the Armenian Theological Student Aid. munities. Sona had an abundance of love to
Born in Fresno, CA to immigrant par- She was also a past Matron of the Daughters give, and would say, "To love children is the
ents, Gladys was a first generation Armenian of Vartan and the first woman deacon in most rewarding thing a person ca do." She
American. Growing up in Fresno was tough Calvary Armenian Congregational Church’s said her greatest achievement was raising
history. Using her years of experience as
during the 1920s. Gladys’ father, Paul C. a bookkeeper, Gladys provided Calvary her children, treasuring her "cherubs" Athe-
Manoogian, had to give up his farm. Her Church with invaluable service as Treasurer na Yerganian of Boston and Arra Yerganian
mother, Araxie, died the same year in 1924. to many of the church’s needs. and his wife Taline of San Jose, CA. She was
Being unable to take care of his daughter, She was everyone’s mother, friend and the proud Nana to her grandchildren Alec,
Paul sent Gladys to live with her aunt who confidant and loved people. If you needed Talar and Shant.
had two granddaughters her age. At age to get something done, you asked Gladys Donations may be made to the Armenia
6, Gladys moved to Parlier, CA to live with how to do it. Her vast knowledge included Missionary Association of America or St. An-
another aunt and attend school. But her knowing who everyone was, and how they drew Armenian Church in Cupertino, CA.
drew Armenian Church in Cupertino, CA.q
biggest disappointment was that at school were related. She was a blessing for the She-
no one spoke Armenian. goian family and everyone who knew her.
When she was in the third grade, her Gladys is survived by her daughter
father was able to take care of her and she Sharlyn Shegoian and husband Carlos,
went to live with him in Fresno. One of her her son James Shegoian and wife Victoria,

52 | AMAA NEWS, July-Aug-Sept 2021