Meline Gostanian
September 10, 1936 – July 24, 2024

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Meline Gostanian, age 87, of Fresno, CA, who passed peacefully on July 24th surrounded by family.

Born in Cairo, Egypt, on September 10, 1936, Meline was the cherished daughter of the late Krikor and Nevart Tchejeyan. She attended Nubarian Armenian School in Cairo. After marrying in Cairo, she moved to Istanbul, Turkey, to start her family, where her husband resided. After living in Istanbul for many years, they ultimately settled in Fresno, CA.

Meline is survived by her husband of 70 years, Mergeryos (Mergo) Gostanian, who now resides in a skilled nursing facility in Fresno. She was a devoted mother to her children, Gregory Krikor Gostanian of Fresno, CA, and Sonya Kalajian of Westford, MA. She was the loving sister to her late brothers, Sarkis Tchejeyan and Hrant Tchejeyan. She was the proud grandmother to Ani Stoecker of Newport Beach, CA, Jaclyn Estabrook of Newport Beach, CA, Matthew Gostanian of Newport Beach, CA, Tamar Gostanian of Fresno, CA, Tyler Kalajian of Charleston, SC, and Taleen Kalajian of Boston, MA. She was blessed with five beautiful great-grandchildren. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, both near and far, whom she cherished deeply. Her family was the center of her world, and she cherished every moment spent together.

She will be remembered for her love of family, genuine kindness, faithfulness, and devotion as a Christian-Armenian. Meline attended St. Paul Armenian Church in Fresno, CA and People's Church in Fresno, CA, where she had many friends and was involved in numerous church activities.  She was a skilled artist and a magnificent cook. She was a beacon of light in the lives of so many and will be deeply missed.

A funeral/memorial service will be held on August 9th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Armenian Church, 3767 North First Street, Fresno, CA 93726. It will be immediately followed by a burial service at Masis Ararat Armenian Cemetery, 250 N Hughes Ave., Fresno, CA 93706. Family and friends are welcome to attend and celebrate her remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School, 108 N Villa Ave., Clovis, CA 93612, or to St. Paul Armenian Church, 3767 North First Street, Fresno, CA 93726, in her everlasting memory.

Though Meline is no longer with us, her spirit and her love will continue to inspire us all.
We are comforted by the wonderful memories we shared and the legacy she leaves behind.

Rest in peace, Mama. We love you more than our words could ever express.