Obituary of Araks Tolegian

Araks Vartabedian Tolegian will be laid to rest in the Chico Cemetery family plot, where her parents, Antranik Nerses and Berjoohy Vartabedian were buried some years ago. Her husband, Manual J. Tolegian is also buried there. Memorial graveside services are to be conducted by the Brusie Funeral Home on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Mrs. Tolegian was born November 1, 1915 in Chico, CA. She attended Chico Training School, where she was the American Legion Honor Graduate in June 1930. In 1934, she graduated from Chico High School, where she had been a member of the Art Honor Society, Secretary of the Girls' Student League, member of the Girls' Hi Y, and Secretary of Job's Daughters. She graduated from Chico State College in 1938, where she was a member of the A Capella choir, Treasurer and Vice President of Associated Women Students, member of the Alpha Psi Omega and Theta Sigma Upailon Sororities. She set up a Scholarship Foundation in the name of her parents, Antranik and Berjoohy Vartabedian and herself, at Chico State University to help budding teachers. The Scholarship Foundation has helped over 25 students become school teachers since 1984. Because of her love of teaching, and her affiliation with art through her husband, Manuel Tolegian, Araks has a collection of unique and original European art and art books, which she donated to California State University, Chico. Araks was involved as a Life Member of several organizations including: Sherman Oaks PTA; California Retired Teachers Association; Butte County Historical Society; National Education Association; California Teachers Association; Ararat Home of Mission Hills; and Bidwell Mansion Society. Other organizations she was involved with include, Alpha Nu Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma, Chapter LE P.E.O. Sisterhood, Association American University Women, Chico State Alumni, Chico Newcomers Club, the Altacal Audubon Society, Chico Heritage Association and a charter member of the Chico Museum . After teaching in Sherman Oaks, Mrs. Tolegian moved back to Chico in 1997, where she was active with a group of early Chico school friends that date back over 65 years. Through Chico Prime Timers she composed short stories, two of which were published in magazines. Her church affiliation has been the Van Nuys Armenian Apostolic Church, St. Peter's. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made in honor of Araks (Vartabedian) Tolegian to the CSU, Chico Gateway Science Museum .