Stephanie Vera Goshtigian

Stephanie Vera Goshtigian (Avakian), age 91, passed away peacefully at home on August 17,
2024. She was born on April 9, 1933, in Fresno, California to Steve and Gale Avakian.
Stephanie graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1951 and began a 71 year marriage to
Gabriel Goshtigian in 1953. She truly loved being a devoted wife, homemaker and mother to
her family which included two children: daughter, Gale and son, Patrick.
In addition to caring for the home and children, she worked alongside her husband at the
family business, Steven’s Bicycle Shop. She later received an A.A. in Liberal Studies and an
A.S. in Library Science from Fresno City College in 1978. She dedicated much of her career to
the Fresno Unified School District, ultimately as an outreach consultant helping guide at-risk
students.
Known for her unwavering love of life and her deep devotion to family, Stephanie was a beacon
of strength, positivity, and goodness. Her actions continually demonstrated her immense care
and love for others. Stephanie was an active member of St. Paul Armenian Church in Fresno,
participating and leading a number of church organizations over the years. On the 25th
anniversary of the consecration of the church, she was honored with a special service award.
One year after the birth of their first grandchild, her dedication to family was once again
demonstrated by her and Gabe’s decision to move from Fresno to the South Bay to be close to
Gabriella. It was difficult to leave their friends, community and church of 50 years, but they
knew there were only a few years to bond with grandchildren. And with the addition of Amalia
a few years later, they certainly bonded. From sleepovers, to library trips, dinner at Soup
Plantation, breakfast at CJ’s, playing in the park or Holiday adventures she implanted a lifetime
of memories with the kids. After the move, she joined St. James Armenian Church where she
once again dedicated herself to serving her new church community. Based on this service, she
was honored with the Hye Spirit Award from the Western Diocese and the St. Nerses the
Gracious medal based on the pontifical encyclical of the Catholicos of All Armenians.
Stephanie was heavily involved as a member of the Daughters of Vartan, first in Fresno and
later in Los Angeles. She was the past Matron of the Fresno Lodge and served on numerous
committees and in multiple leadership positions. Her commitment to her family, community and
her faith were evident in everything she did.
Stephanie is survived by her husband, Gabriel Goshtigian; daughter, Gale Valentini (Mark who
preceded her in death); son, Patrick Goshtigian (Mary); granddaughters, Gabriella and Amalia
Goshtigian; sister, Patricia Hodge as well as dear cousins, nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at St. James Armenian Apostolic Church, 4950 W. Slauson Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90056, on Friday, August 23, 2024, starting at 10 am. Following a lunch
reception, Stephanie will be interred at Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 S Western Ave,
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Armenian Apostolic Church or a charity
of one's choice. May she rest in peace and may her memory be a blessing to us all.